A switch is a device for controlling assistive technology for people who have difficulty with touch screen, mice or keyboards. A mouse button and keyboard keys are types of switches.
In the context of access, a switch can be used by a person with more severe and complex disabilities to control a computer or tablet device. A switch, coupled with appropriate software and hardware, can also be used to control an individual's environment (environmental control), e.g. to close and open curtains, turn a TV on and off etc.
You can use a switch to:
Switches are available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Some are operated by contact (touching, pressing, squeezing, etc.); others don't require physical contact and are activated by movement or sound.
Some switches are a little more specialised:
Choosing a switch to suit the individual needs of a learner is not always straight forward.
Some factors to consider to achieve successful switch use include:
Switches can be activated with your:
It is important to have a proper assessment to determine the most suitable type of switch and the best access method. Our Equipment Loan Bank has a wide range of switches available for evaluation loans for up to two months.
A single switch can be used for 'Cause and Effect', i.e. the user presses or hits the switch and something happens.
Cause and effect, whether it is a switch connected to an engaging, singing toy or to a computer game with bright colourful and, noisy animations, or driving on the DriveDeck, can be the beginning of teaching important learning skills such as:
The main objective is to ‘make something happen’. This can help to promote an understanding between the ‘action’ and ‘reaction’ of pressing a switch, providing a foundation for early learning.
For example, switches might give a child control over a toy or a computer (possibly for the first time) to help them to be an active participant instead of simply passively watching.
Cause and effect can increase confidence and as learning progresses other skills can gradually be developed such as:
See Ian Bean's Switch Progression Roadmap for more practical advice on using switches.
Switch scanning is an advanced selection technique to help navigate, identify and target items. By scanning you can access more choices using your switch(es).
Switch scanning requires time and practice to develop both cognitive and physical skills to successfully achieve accurate switch scanning.
Switch scanning is usually slower than 'direct selection' with touch or eye-gaze, but it is also a reliable and controllable method of access. Professor Stephen Hawking used a single switch to operate his communication aids and write huge books, which shows what's possible with switches.
As well as the various switch scanning methods, consideration should also be given to the switch timings and settings. A slow 'scan time' is easier to use, for example, but also slower.
For more information on switch scanning and timing see:
It is important to have an assessment carried out by an AAC or Assistive Technology specialist to identify the best switches and switch access method.
You can't generally plug a switch directly into a computer or a tablet - you need a switch interface (sometimes referred to as a switch box).
A switch interface allows the user to:
Most switch interfaces plug into the device via USB. Some only work on a Windows computer, others such as the Don Johnston Pro can also be used with Macs and Chromebooks. With the development of wireless and Bluetooth, switches can also be connected wirelessly.
Some examples:
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Switch access on a tablet works in a similar way to a computer, using a Bluetooth, wireless or USB interface.
for example:
iOS Switch Control - The Missing User Guide- a comprehensive guide by Ablenet on using switch control recipes.
Most communication aids can be set up for use with one or two switches.
Switch operated toys have a valuable role to play in introducing the concept of ‘cause and effect', (i.e. press the switch and something nice will happen) or learning about turn-taking, to young children.
Types of switch adapted toys include:
A number of suitable toys can be purchased from:
Many simple battery-operated toys can be adapted for use with a switch by using a Battery Adaptor, available from Inclusive for £11.00.
Unfortunately, an increasing number of battery-operated toys are now ‘multi-function', with the toy performing a number of different actions, and are more difficult to adapt.
Some children find it a challenge to hold a switch down when playing with a toy, so you should consider a Switch timer or controller unit such as the SimplyWorks Control or Dual Switch Latch Timer. These provide a timer function, where the child presses the switch and the timer keeps the toy workign for a set time, and latching, so the child can press the switch once to start the toy going, and press it again to stop it.
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Household devicesIt is also possible to use a switch in conjunction with a mains appliance controller such as the it-Click On or similar device to operate mains-powered devices such as:
The mains controllers have timer and latch functions and can be motivating for people starting to use a switch.
There is a wide range of software available for switch users, ranging from cause and effect programs and apps for young children (e.g. HelpKidzLearn) through tools for writing (e.g. Clicker) to programs and apps that can provide full access to the computer (e.g. Grid 3).
They include:
Free switch games:
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