two switches and their activation at their own pace. When using only one switch, the individual is waiting to time the activation of the switch when scanning. Also, each switch has its own pur- pose. One switch becomes the ‘mover’ or the scanner and the other switch is the ‘select’. There are multiple resources regarding developing switch skills and building two switch skills. Linda Burkhart’s Stepping Stones to Switch Success article outlines how to teach switch ac- cess for individuals who have significant communication, physi- cal and sensory disabilities and are unable to use their hands for direct access. More information on this can be found on Linda Burkhart’s handout section on her website, Two Switches for Success: Access for Children with Severe Physical and/or Multi- ple Challenges (Burkhart 2004) STEPPING STONES TO SWITCH SUCCESS Step 1: Single Switch - Cause and Effect Step 2: Single Switch - Multiple Locations and Multiple Func- tions Step 3: Two Switches - Two Functions
Step 4: Learning to Two Switch Step Scan Step 5: Two Switch Step Scan Errorless Learning Step 6: Two Switch Step Scan for Clear Choices Step 7: Practice for Increasing Accuracy with Two Switch Step Scanning Step 8: Switch Automaticity - Reducing Time for Success Katie Stuhlsatz and Kathy Lalk (2012), converted Linda Bur- khart’s Stepping Stones to Switch Access (Two Switch Step Scan- ning) into a chart that provides implementation ideas and tips with example activities for each stepping stone (See Image 11). Pairing the activity examples on the chart with the software examples previously described provides a solid foundation for developing switch skills for individuals who need alternative ac- cess. By supporting these skills through computer-based games, switch adapted play activities, and communication tools, while reducing cognitive load and building on each step, individuals will be better equipped to handle increasingly complex aca- demic, communication, and language demands in the future.
Image 11: Screenshot of Step 5: Two Switch Step Scan: Errorless Learning.
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