Switch Skills 101: Building Foundations for Alternative

SINGLE MESSAGE VOICE OUTPUT COMMUNICATION AIDS Single message voice output communication aids (VOCAs) can look like a switch, however, if you are able to record a mes- sage then they are considered communication devices. The BIGmack from Ablenet is widely used and recognized as a single message VOCA. It comes with two switch jacks, one that can provide access to a switch adapted toy and one jack that can connect to a specialty switch to it that would activate the recorded message in the same way pressing the large 5” surface activates the message. The device comes with a variety of col- ored tops that can be interchangeably used. In addition, there are other single message VOCAs that come in various sizes and shapes. SWITCH ACCESS TO CHROMEBOOKS AND IPADS Many computers, laptops, and tablet devices have built in switch accessibility. Chromebooks and iPads are two of the more prevalent devices used in schools, both of which have built in switch accessibility. To access a Chromebook with a switch, a switch interface is needed. A switch interface allows external switches to send keyboard commands to the computer device. There is built-in switch accessibility for the Chromebook as well as the ability to access websites with built-in switch accessibility. Most switch accessible activities or websites will list what keyboard com- mands they use. If the keyboard commands are not listed, you can also try out keyboard commands to see if they are switch accessible. Commonly used keyboard commands for switch use include space bar, return, tab and arrow keys. Switch interfaces are also needed to access an iPad with a switch. iOS devices offer built-in switch accessibility features, along with access to apps that also include integrated switch accessibility. There are both wired and wireless switch interfaces for iPads and other iOS devices. There are pros and cons to hav- ing either wired or wireless switch interfaces. Wired switch inter- faces provide direct access via the charging port. They reduce barriers that often come with Bluetooth pairing since they are physically connected to the device. Since wired switch interfac- es are physically connected, the connecting cords for the switch interface and the switch are more directly in the way or could potentially cause a barrier from being so close to the device. For example, individuals in wheelchairs may need the iOS device mounted to a table or to their wheelchair and the connecting cords could be easily and/or accidentally removed from the de- vice by nearby movements. Some examples of wired switch in- terfaces for the iPad include Tapio USB/iOS switch interface. Wireless switch interfaces allow for the switch interface and the switch to be positioned away from the iPad therefore reduc- ing the possibility for the cord to be accidentally removed. The switch can still be physically connected to the switch interface while the switch interface is connected via Bluetooth to the iPad. Bluetooth switch interfaces can also pose a barrier as there can

latch setting on a SLAT allows for more advanced or varied toy/ activities. When the SLAT is turned to ‘latch’ it will turn on the toy or activity when activated and remain on until it is activated again. This feature can be used with activities such as turning on lights, blenders, etc. It can also be used as an advanced switch skill for individuals who understand switch functions and simply need a way to access the activity. SWITCH ACCESS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UNITS (ECU) For items with electrical plugs, an environmental control unit (ECU) can be used (See image 4) to make the item switch accessi- ble. Items plugged into an ECU need to have an on/off button so when the switch is depressed it will turn on. Examples of items that this would not work with are those that may require two different buttons to be depressed at the same time. Items that have more than one button to be depressed for activation could be accessed via an ECU if a peer or partner activated the button while the individual activated the switch. Also, if the item had a button that needed activation, it is possible to modify the item by affixing foam or a small object to the button with duct tape to keep the button depressed. Some examples and ways to switch adapt activities with ECUs can include blenders, kitchen appliances with on/off capabili- ties, radios, fans, hair dryers to blow paint around or objects (in- sert image), blow up yard decor, floor and table lamps, electric pencil sharpener, electric paper shredder, and an electric stapler. Ablenet has a one-hour webinar, Ablenet Webinar on the Power of the Powerlink Control Unit that provides examples of ways to use an ECU in the classroom and home environments.

Image 4: Powerlink ECU from Ablenet.

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