Switch Use for Sensory Activities and iPad Apps

Presented by

Cheryl Petree, TSVI,

Assistive Technology Consultant, NMSBVI

Fatima Portugal, TSVI,

Assistive Technology Consultant, NMSBVI

We use switches every day to make life simpler!

We use a switch to turn on lights. What else can you think of? What if you had to climb a ladder and screw in a light bulb every time you wanted to turn the lights on?

So what are switches?

Simply put, a switch is a way to turn electricity on or off – a part of a circuit.

So what is an adaptive switch?

Good question!! An adaptive switch is an access device.

An access device? Access to what?

These access devices enable access to technology…….

Access

Mobility

Access

The community

Access

Items for every day living

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

A device, a toy, a computer, household appliances, electronic books, electronic equipment, a cell phone, a tablet, augmentative and alternative communication devices, SMART technology, sensory room equipment, environmental control devices……this list goes on and on!! It enables an individual to operate devices that they otherwise would not have access to.

A switch can be used with a connector adaptor, or can be wireless, which leads to even more accessibility.

Access for who?

Switches are ideal for people with a disability that would prevent them from being able to access a device through a standard method. The more simple motor movements used to operate a switch replace more complex actions, that may limit independent access for some individuals.

These amazing little devices help to adapt a huge range of equipment, to enable individuals with disabilities to engage and participate in activities and have control over their environment, a type of access that many of us often take for granted.

Why adaptive switches?

The goal is control!

What can appear as a simple button can open up worlds of access!

Activating a switch enables something else to happen –something that, for some learners, could not happen without a switch.

An adaptable switch changes the interaction between a user and a device, making a previously inaccessible method (i.e. buttons are too small, physically unable to navigate a touch screen) accessible by using a movement or action that the user can more easily perform.

Access

For some learners, a switch can help them learn to access a computer, play independently, communicate with their peers, and access a wide range of educational opportunities that might otherwise not be available.

Switches can be activated by almost any part of the body – hand, foot, head, chin, knee, eyes, mouth – any part of the body that an individual can consistently and voluntarily move. So there is a switch for just about anyone, and they can be designed to meet the unique abilities and needs of an individual.

Switch Training

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration:

• How will the learner operate the switch – hand, foot, head, eye?

• What size switch can the learner reliably target?

• Will the learner be able to exert enough pressure to activate a switch?

• Will feed back be required? (“Clicks” upon pressing the switch)

Also take into consideration:

• The learner’s physical ability, stamina, and speed – activating a switch should not cause the learner undue fatigue or pain

• The learner’s cognitive ability

• The positioning of the switch – which body part will give the learner the best control over the switch?

• The type of switch – movement required, color, size and shape, textured?, pressure, feedback

• The goal of the switch – basic awareness, cause and effect, independent activities

Types of Switches

• Contact switches – activated by touch

• Non-contact switches – triggered without contact (eye blink)

In this presentation we will focus on contact switches.

3 Attributes of Contact Switches

1. The number of functions• Single function – most common – performs only one function – either on or off

• Multiple function – may perform 2 or more functions

2. Action required to activate the switch• Touch or direct pressure

• Non-touch

3. Activation attributes• Momentary – action is sustained only as long as the switch is pressed

• Latched – action, once initiated, continues until the switch is pressed again

• Timed – action, once initiated, continues for a set amount of time

Positioning of a Switch

One of the most important considerations of switch use is where and how to position it.

A switch that is not in a good position is only slightly more useful than not having a switch at all!

A properly positioned switch will allow a learner to be more independent and productive.

Positioning of the Learner

• Consider not only the position of the switch, but also the positioning of the learner

• The learner should be in a stable and comfortable position

• The movements of the learner must be under voluntary control and reliable – where do they have the best control?

• The learner must be able to target, activate, and release the switch

• Options – slanted switches, switch mounts

Types of Switch Connections

Power Select

Using electric devices that plug in

Hard wire

Using a switch interface

Bluetooth

Using a wireless connection

Power Select

Using a Power Select

Any electrical device can be plugged into a power select, and paired with a switch. There are four modes of control:

Direct The direct mode keeps the appliance(s) on only while the switch is activated (pressed down).

Timed Seconds The Timed Seconds mode allows the appliance to run for a preset amount of time, from 1 to 60 seconds, with a single activation.

Timed Minutes The Timed Minutes mode allows the appliance to run for a preset amount of time, from 1 to 60 minutes, with a single activation.

Latch The first activation of the switch turns the appliance ON; the second activation turns it OFF.

Power SelectDirect Mode

Many first-time switch users prefer this mode. A learner enjoys the breeze created by the fan, and learns that the fan/breeze stays on by keeping the switch pressed down.

Timed Mode

A device is activated, but turns off after a preset period of time. When it stops, the learner may provide a cue to continue, and the teacher activates the switch again, ultimately teaching the learner to activate the switch.

Latch Mode

Use this when the device is to remain on for an extended period of time.

Hard Wire Switches

There are many types of hard wire switches. You will need a switch interface to use these. (i.e. Don Johnston Pro 6.0)

Switch Interface

Plug the switch interface into a USB port on the computer or laptop, and plug the switches into the interface. Select the action for the switches by programming the interface:

Space bar, enter, arrow up, arrow down.

iPad Hook

One switch interface for the iPad is the Hook.

iPad Hook

This operates the same way as the Don Johnston:

Plug the switch into a port on the Hook

Plug the Lightning connector on the Hook into the port on the iPad.

Bluetooth Switches

Bluetooth switches connect wirelessly to a device that has Bluetooth capability.

These are often more functional to use, as they can be separated from the laptop or iPad.

There are single switches or double switches, and more switches can be connect to these.

Progression of Skills

Novice learners will likely have little or no understanding of what a switch is or what it can do.

There will be little motivation to interact with a switch.

There may be physical limitations that will restrict access.

So how do I introduce a switch?

Simple entertainment!! Sometimes location by accident! Set it up for success.

Toys and simple devices are highly motivating.

https://www.adaptivetechsolutions.com/cat-switch-adapted-toys.cfm

https://enablingdevices.com/shop/?fwp_product_categories_search=switch%20adapted%20toys

There are toys that are actually switches. They light up, make sounds, vibrate….which encourages interaction with them for simple pleasure. https://www.flaghouse.com/Learning-Development/Assistive-Technology/Switches-Switch-Adapted-Activities/

Find something that motivates the learner.

Motivation

Using switches that are highly motivating will help to increase visual attention, fine motor skills, sensory awareness, eye-hand coordination, and an awareness of cause and effect.

Skill progression

A switch by itself is not very useful. It must be connected to something……hopefully something that has meaning to the person using it.

Training

It is not enough to simply give a child a switch, we need to give them a reason to use it.

Developing an awareness of cause and effect elicits an understanding that an action can cause a response. This can lead to the development of more advanced skills

Using the iPadOnce a learner becomes familiar with activating a switch, the iPad can be used to further enhance that skill using switch accessible apps. There are a multitude of free and low cost apps that can help teach cause and effect. These are just a few resources.

https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/cause--effect-apps.html

http://www.janefarrall.com/switch-accessible-apps-for-ipadiphone-non-aac/

https://www.eastersealstech.com/2017/06/14/5-cause-effect-switch-apps/

http://enablingdevices.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SwitchAccessibleApps.pdf

http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/09/free-online-switch-activities.html

iPad/Bluetooth

The iPad is a very good place to advance skills when learning switch access.

Connecting via Bluetooth:

• On the iPad, turn Bluetooth on:• Using the Control Center, drag up from the bottom of the home screen and

tap the Bluetooth button This will turn Bluetooth on or off.

Or you can:

• Go to Settings

• Tap on Bluetooth

• Tap on the switch to turn it on.

iPad and Bluetooth

Once Bluetooth is on, you will need to pair the switch.

• Make sure your Bluetooth switch is powered on and in "Discoverable" mode. Typically when you turn an iPad Bluetooth switch on, it is discoverable. (Typically you will use Mode 3 on the switch. There are instructions that come with the switch for setting the mode.)

• Go to Settings

• Tap Bluetooth – a list of discoverable devices comes up

• Tap the name of the device you want to pair with.

• Once paired, it will say “Connected”

iPad

To activate a switch accessible app:

• Open the app on the iPad

• Once in the app, tap on Settings

• Tap on Switches, or Switch Access

• Tap on Enable Switch, and then select either 1 switch or 2 switch

• Close out of Settings, this takes you back to the app

• Press Play

• Choose the activity

• Press the switch to activate

• Each app is different and the activation process may vary

A Few Resources for Switch Accessible Apps

• http://enablingdevices.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SwitchAccessibleApps.pdf

• https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/apps

• https://ilc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Apps-and-Software-Ideas-for-Developing-Switching-Skills.pdf

• http://www.shinylearning.co.uk/freegames/

Using a Don Johnston switch interface to play games on a PC

• Plug DJ into USB port on laptop• Plug double switch into port on DJ• Set DJ to the blue strip – space and enter• Go to https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/early-years• Select Big Trucks – will need to activate Adobe Flash Player• Select switch Settings• Activate 2 switches• Click on the red X• Select Play• Use the switches to move the right and left trucks

Using Bluetooth Switch to play games on PC

• Turn on Bluetooth in Settings

• Pair Blue2 with laptop – must push Pair button on Blue2

• Go to https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/early-years

• Select Big Trucks – will need to activate Adobe Flash Player

• Select Switch Settings

• Activate 2 switches

• Click on the red X

• Select Play

• Use the switches to move the right and left trucks

What’s next? More advanced skills

Switch timing – learning to press the switch at the right time, requires motor and cognitive skills and an understanding of the task

Using more than one switch – multi-purpose – one scans, the other selects

Tracking and targeting – must be able to track an object as it moves and press the switch when the object is in a target area

Scanning – moving a highlight through an array of objects/activities

Choice making – selecting a desired object/activity from an array

Skill progression

For a learner that uses a switch, as skills increase, so do opportunities.

Switch accessible toys

Switch accessible apps

Switch access to computers – on screen keyboards

Switch access to daily living devices

Environmental control

Power Point Talking Book

It is quite easy to make a talking book using Power Point.

Once made, the book is accessible using a switch, such as Blue2 from Ablenet.

Switch Accessible On-Screen Keyboard PC

An on-screen keyboard is accessible using a switch.

Windows 10

• To open the on-screen keyboard go to Start

• Select Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard

• Turn toggle on to Use the On-Screen Keyboard

• A keyboard that can be moved around the screen will appear on the screen.

• On the keyboard, select the Options key

• Select Scan Through Keys for switch accessibility

• Scan mode highlights areas you can select, and then specific letters within that area you can select. Word prediction is available.

• This can be used with Blue2 switch, or a hard wire switch with a switch interface.

Switch Interface

Using the Don Johnston Switch Interface Pro 6.0

• Plug the DJ USB cable into a USB port on the computer

• I found that using the “Enter” key is most successful, so on the DJ you want the blue light on. You can scan through the different bands using the switch at the top right of the interface.

• Plug the switch into the second port under Enter on the blue line.

• When the switch is activated, scanning will start on the keyboard, highlighting an area.

• When the desired letter is in that highlighted area, press the switch.

• Scanning will start in the selected area.

• When the desired letter is highlighted, press the switch.

• When 2 or more letters have been selected, word prediction pops up. The desired word can be selected using the scanning process.

• The scanning speed can be increased or decreased from the Options menu on the keyboard.

Switch Accessible On-Screen Keyboard iPad

Pair the iPad with either a Bluetooth keyboard or the iPad Wireless Two Switch.

On the iPad, turn Switch Control on and set Scanning Style to manual.

On the Bluetooth keyboard, you can use the spacebar and enter keys to scan and select. For this demonstration, on the home screen, scan the home screen and select Pages.

When Pages pops up, select Pages. The on-screen keyboard will appear. You can begin scanning the keyboard using the switch or the Bluetooth keyboard. Select a highlighted area, then scan and select the desired letter. Word prediction is available.

The letters are spoken as they are highlighted. The document will be read by Voice Over with a triple finger swipe from the top of the screen down to the bottom of the screen

Miscellaneous Switch Activities

Make Your Nintendo Switch Accessible With the Xbox Adaptive Controller

https://www.geek.com/games/make-your-nintendo-switch-accessible-with-the-xbox-adaptive-controller-1763106/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpDoYgGC9QI

The goal is control!

Cognitive ability

Cause and effect

Capability

Choices

Communication

Comradery

Career!

Thank you for coming!!

Contact information:

cherylpetree@nmsbvi.k12.nm.us

CarmelPortugal@nmsbvi.k12.nm.us

References

• https://bltt.org/introduction-to-switch-access/

• https://www.bltt.org/switch/about.htm

• http://www.communicateat.com.au/at-support/knowledge-library/switch-assistance/switches-part1-types-of-switches

• http://www.spectronics.com.au/article/using-switches

• http://www.spectronics.com.au/product/switch-skills-1

• https://enablingdevices.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Switches.Tips-for-Choosing.pdf

• https://goalbookapp.com/toolkit/strategy/adaptive-switches

• https://ilc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Unlocking-Abilitie-Introduction-to-Switching.pdf

• http://archives.gadoe.org/DMGetDocument.aspx/Stages_in_Switch_Development_Jones_and_King.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F65FE74A37C76F67E12701A566BAAAD184A8CB

• https://talksense.weebly.com/switching-skills.html

• https://talksense.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/7/0/.../switching_to_communication.doc

• http://atclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/10/switches-what-are-they-and-how-do-i-use.html

• https://www.ianbean.co.uk/download/beyond-cause-effect/