Switches Turn on Accessibility!!

What is a switch?
A switch is a mechanical device that closes an electrical circuit to turn on a device. An open to circuit is turned off. By closing the switch the wires connect.


Adapted switched can come in many forms. They are organized into two categories:

1. Simple Switches: activated by touch

2. Specially Switches: activated by breath, blink, motion, inferred light

Why do we use switches?
Purpose is to replace any action of the user, goal to make switch easy to access and easy to use, gives access to any task


List the selection criteria for choosing a specific switch.

1. What is the end users goal?

2. Position: sit; lay in bed, at table, in wheel chair
- Must be able to access the switch with stability all skeletal and muscular issues must be examined.

3. Movement pattern – consistent voluntary movement for a part of the body that can be controlled and allow them to use the switch. Need to be able to operate with minimal fatigue

4. Control site: area that the end user uses to activate the switch.
5. Types of switch: Simple v. Specialty
6. Force – strength, weakness of users – take into account tremors
7. Feedback – auditory - click, visual - bright colors
8. Tactile - smooth, rough surfaces - depending on the user
9. Kinesthetic - muscles receive feedback - grasp switch
10. Proprioceptive - hard surface or soft surface - compressive
11. Travel - rest to switch closure - how far the end user has to move to use the switch.
12. Play - amount of give in the switch
13. Size and weight of the switch (consider the mount)
14. Complexity: Single switch - Dual Switch - Multiple switches - joystick, wafer switch, Latch and Timer.

What specifics need to be considered at all times?

The user must be considered and their goal or task.

Example of Task - focus on the task not the process
- Say” turn on the light”
- Not “hit the switch”

Switches come in a variety of sensitivities that are necessary for different students.

Student must have cause and effect understanding it is essential before moving to scanning switch.

Switch positioning: involves control site, patterns of movement - occupational therapist makes these decision.

Inclusion: Motivation for student is be in class and able to engage in social involvement.