Switch Accessby Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com June 15, 2024 By incorporating switch-activated items into activities, the student becomes a participant rather than a passive bystander. Additionally, by providing opportunities to activate items with a switch, the student learns cause and effect.
Switch Access with Power Select![]() To make the electric items switch accessible, use a Power Select. If the student has residual vision, look for objects that have switch activated steady lights. Avoid items with flashing lights as they may cause seizures. In order for electronic items to work with the Power Select from APH or similar items, the item must have an on/off switch. Switch-activated materials are useful for all students regardless of their degree of vision loss. Suggested materials:
Switch Access with Battery InterrupterDon’t limit your selection of switch-activated items to those with a power cord. Make or purchase a battery interrupter. Place the interrupter at the end of one of the batteries. The interrupter redirects the flow of power to the switch jack, allowing the switch to control the on/off of the device. As long as the toy or object has an on/off switch, it can be made switch accessible! Use it with the APH Select Switch.
Switch Interface & SwitchA switch interface and switch allow you to make computer programs with cause-and-effect activities accessible. There are different types of switch interfaces available with a range of prices. It can be used with any computer. Simply plug it into USB port and attach a switch. Use it to activate any computer-based cause and effect activity. There are free and paid software programs available that allow switch access to build skills. You can also create your own using PowerPoint. Possible websites include Help Kidz Learn, Hiyah, SEN Switcher, Shiny Learning, and Special Bites. You can also create your own interactive PowerPoint Cause & Effect games.
Recordable Switches for Sensory Choice![]() Position a big mac that is programmed to say, “more please” and present the student with a sensory activity they enjoy such as smelling essential oils, a hand massage, or a tickle. Provide the sensory activity then stop and encourage the student to request continuation of the activity.
Computer with Touch ScreenComputers with a touch screen help students learn cause and effect. They also help students work on visual efficiency skills including visual attention, visual scanning, visually tracking, and visual discrimination. They can also help students work on eye-hand coordination. Using a computer helps encourage upright posture.
TabletsTablets featuring touchscreens can be ideal for students with complex needs as they are portable and can be positioned for ideal viewing within the student’s field of view. There are many cause-and-effect apps that can encourage use of vision. Tablets are backlit and are ideal for students drawn to light. They encourage visual attention, visual scanning, and eye-hand coordination. When using tablets, use Guided Access to block certain areas of the screen, prevent the student from closing out of the app, prevent the student from clicking on ads, and prevent the student from changing the settings.
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