About SWITCHES

Step by Step Guide to Assistive Technology - SWITCHES










What is a switch? A switch is a mechanical device that closes an electrical circuit to turn on a device or open the circuit to turn it off.

Who uses a switch? Anyone who needs a task made more accessible can use a switch. Switches are commonly used by people who are non-verbal and/or have physical limitations.


Why do we use switches? We use a switch to provide access to certain tasks that otherwise could not be completed independently. Switches are used to replace a required action that a person needs to do to complete a task.

The aim of the switch is to do whatever action a user needs to do to accomplish a task. Choosing a switch is always TASK ORIENTED!! The user is not simply hitting a switch, they are completing a task, ie turning on the lights, advancing a slideshow presentation, turning on the blender, etc...

The selection criteria for selecting a successful switch:
The specifics that need to be considered at all times-
1. Positioning - (user seated, laying)
2. Movement pattern of user – the switch will be placed in the movement pattern zone (ie head, arm, leg, foot). Consistent and voluntary. No movement pattern – speciality switch required. Operate with minimal fatigue
3. Control site for the user – The control site is the area that activates the switch at the end of the movement pattern. Fine or gross motor skill (gross - ie knee, fine ie finger tip)
4. Types of switches – simple or specialty
**An OT must be involved when making these switch related choices

How would you start assessing a student for a switch?
Look at the following areas:
Force – Switch must be aligned with strength of user
Feedback – motivated by auditory, visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, proprioceptive feedback?
Travel – distance the activation must move from its resting position to the point of activation – sensitivity to touch.
Play – amount of give in a switch. Extraneous movement considered.
Size and Weight – height and diameter, matches user’s control point(s)
Switch Types – single, dual (2 switches in 1, can control 2 devices), multiple (5 simple switches in one ie joystick on power wheelchair), speciality (activated with breath, infrared, eye blink or motion), latched (latch can be locked on even after switch is released).


****Making decisions about switches for individual users is a complex process. Specialists (like the Occupational Therapist) need to be consulted to make the experience a successful one.