AT Focus A Publication for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Volume 6, Issue 4 – Summer 2004 SWITCHES FOR ACCESS -------- Also inside this issue: FAQs Proximity Switch Kit Sensitrac Pad System Kit Switch Activated Toy Kits Related Websites New Local Branches What About Funding? -------- Cover Article: What is a Switch? By Amy S. Goldman, Project Director, PA’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University A switch is a hardware device that either opens or closes an electronic circuit, controlling the flow of electricity to an electronic device. The current may originate from different power sources, including batteries. A switch can be used to activate or de-activate an item, as well as to direct other functions (e.g. forward/backward movement). Switches may be commercial or home-made. A wide variety of switches are available, including ones that are activated by touch, pressure, breath, infrared light, sound, ultrasound, static electricity, heat, shadow, and moisture. Switch technology has been harnessed to permit individuals with physical and multiple disabilities to perform a variety of activities that would otherwise not be possible. Through switches, people with disabilities can play, learn, live, and work with increased independence. They can answer the phone, open a door, write a play, give an oral book report, drive a car, and turn off the lights. Switches are used to take advantage of the movements that an individual can voluntarily produce, even if s/he has very little physical control, strength, or range of movement. Switches can also be used to simplify tasks. When beginning to consider the use of switches with a person with a disability, the first consideration is to think about the function or type of activity with which the person needs assistance, and what the switch will connect to. In some cases, you will need to have an additional device between the “appliance” and the switch or the item the switch will connect to will need a special adaptation. For example, a switch interface box (e.g. Inventory code: HW-SWITCH) will be required to plug a switch into a computer; the Ablenet Link (Inventory code: ECU-QUICK-POW) will need to be used to control small appliances; and toys generally need to be purchased with adaptations (e.g. Tickle Me Elmo, Inventory code: RE-ELMO) or used with a battery interrupter (Inventory code: SH-SING-AA/C or SH-SING-TOYD) to plug in the switch. Switches are also a component for access to electronic aids to daily living (Environmental Control Units, or ECUs) used to control lights, electronic doors, telephones, etc. (e.g. Relax II System, Inventory code: ECU-RELAX). It is useful to have input from an occupational or physical therapist when selecting the type of switch input, and in determining the best way for the user to activate it. Other considerations include selection of a mounting system (e.g. Inventory code: MT-UNIV) to hold the switch in the right location for best access. Switch selection may be a “trial and error” endeavor. Switch kits (e.g. Inventory codes: SH-SING, SH-PROX, SH-KIT1, SH-DJ) are available that include an array of different options in one container, or you may borrow switches individually. Some information for this article was gathered from the following websites: http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/Switch/index.php http://www.neatinfo.net/equipment-main-pages/switches.html -------- FAQs: What if I want an item that is not already in the Lending Library? We are always interested in hearing about items that can be useful in increasing the independence and function of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Consumers and service providers are encouraged to request these items by completing an “Item Request Form” or contacting Zona Jackson, Project Assistant, at 800-204-7428 (v) or atlend@temple.edu. Local branches should have a copy of the form in their manual, and one is available on our website, which is listed on the last page of this newsletter. When making a recommendation, it is helpful to have as much detail on the item as possible, and why you think this item should be added. -------- Proximity Switch Kit A recent addition to the Lending Library is the Proximity Switch Kit (Inventory code: SH-PROX-1; Cost: $5,103.00; Empowering Resources, Inc. — 866-374-7255, www.eridevices.com). This kit consists of the following switches and modules: - Adjustable Proximity Switch. This can be used to sense through surfaces such as wood, vinyl, plastic and foam, with adjustable sensitivity. Inventory code: SH-ADJ-1; Cost: $245.00 - Reflective Beam Switch (pictured at right). This can be used when larger or less-controlled motions are required for switch activation. It can be mounted on a chest plate to detect up and down head motions. Inventory code: SH-BEAM-1; Cost: $245.00. - Cylindrical Proximity Switch. This switch is shaped for hand or toe control. It has a short sensing range that helps to prevent accidental activation. Inventory code: SH-CYLIN-1; Cost: $485.00. - Flat Mini Beam Switch. This switch is very flat and small. It can be used for many applications, such as arm rests, head rests, or can be mounted close to the user’s face for detecting muscle twitches. Inventory code: SH-FLAT-1; Cost: $245.00. - Mini-Moon Proximity Switch. This switch has high sensitivity and can be used for people who need to use their head to control a device. It is also very useful for lap trays. SH-MINI-1; Cost: $245.00. - Non-Adjustable Proximity Switch. This is small enough to use as a head switch and is able to sense through plastic type lap trays and padded head rests. Inventory code: SH-NOADJ-1; Cost: $245.00. - Fiber Optic Eyeblink Switch. This can be used when eye blinking is the only movement the user is able to control. Only purposeful eye blinks will activate it. Regular eye blinking is ignored. Inventory code: SH-OPTIC-1; Cost: $585.00. - Piezo Switch (pictured at right). This switch can be used on any part of the body where a controlled muscle movement is present such as eyebrow, jaw and finger movements. The sensor is also activated by changes in temperature such as breath or touch. Adjustable sensitivity enables the user to detect the slightest movements or ignore involuntary ones. Adjustable delay gives the user the needed time to prepare for his or her next activation. Inventory code: SH-PIE-1; Cost: $295.00. - Ultra Thin Proximity Switch. This easily hidden sensor can be used for people with greater control of their head, hands or fingers, or for application where little room is available. Inventory code: SH-THIN-1; Cost: $485.00. Proximity Control Modules are also a part of this kit. They are used to control each sensor’s specific capabilities and sensing ranges. Some of the switches require the use of a specific module. This information is detailed in the kit. The modules in the kit are: - Dual Switch Proximity Sensor Module. Inventory code: SH-DUAL-1; Cost: $950.00. - Eye Blink Switch Module. Inventory code: SH-EYEBL-1; Cost: $585.00. - Piezo Sensor Module. Inventory code: SH-PIEZO-1; Cost: $295.00. -------- Sensitrac Pad System Kit The Sensitrac Pad System Kit (Inventory code: MT-TRAC; Cost: $363.00; Sensitrac — 949-464-0642, info@sensitrac.com, www.sensitrac.com) is the newest mounting system in the Lending Library. Mounting systems are often needed to position switches and other devices so that they may be accessed more easily by the user. This kit consists of the following: - Sensitrac Pad w/360 Degree Angle Arm. Inventory code: MT-ANGLE; Cost: $98.00. - Sensitrac Pad w/180 Degree Flipper. Inventory code: MT-FLIP; Cost: $79.00. - Sensitrac Flat Pad. Inventory code: MT-PAD; Cost: $49.00. - Sensitrac Pad Adjustable Slant Board (pictured). Inventory code: MT-SLANT; Cost: $79.00. - Sensitrac Flat Tray 5x10. Inventory code: MT-TRAY-5x10; Cost: $29.00. - Sensitrac Flat Tray 6x11. Inventory code: MT-TRAY-6x11; Cost: $29.00. As with any kit in the Lending Library, these items may also be borrowed individually. -------- Switch Activated Toy Kits There are four Switch Activated Toy Kits in the Lending Library. Each kit contains a selection of different types of toys along with a few switches to activate them. These are a great tool for introducing young children to switches, as well as beginning the evaluation process. Some of the kits contain interactive stories and toys such as Tickle Me Elmo, Scooby-Doo, or a remote control Barbie Corvette. Please refer to the Inventory List for the specific contents of each kit. - Switch Activated Toys: Kit 1. Inventory code: RE-TOY-1; Cost: $578.00. - Switch Activated Toys: Kit 2. Inventory code: RE-TOY-2; Cost: $563.00. - Switch Activated Toys: Kit 3. Inventory code: RE-TOY-3; Cost: $612.00. - Switch Activated Toys: Kit 4. Inventory code: RE-TOY-4; Cost: $504.00. -------- Related Websites: www.bluegrass-tech.org — This site includes instructions for creating battery interrupters, a battery-operated pinwheel, and other information and assistive technology for children with disabilities. www.ablenetinc.com/ideas/archive_index.html — While this site primarily features devices sold by AbleNet, there are many good ideas on incorporating switches and switch-activates devices into “fun” activities for preschool and younger children (e.g. participating in making brownies). www.arcess.com — This site has free downloads of accessible computer games for all ages that can be played using a single switch, speech recognition, or expanded keyboard. This site also has computer dice and spinner programs. www.ataccess.org/resources/wcp/endefault.html — “We Can Play,” part of the Alliance for Technology Access website, presents twenty different activity ideas to use with children of all abilities. This resources includes directions on adapting a battery-operated toy and links to other web resources and books about play. www.quadcontrol.com — This is the website for KY Enterprises, a source for adaptive controllers for video game systems. There is also a short video showing people using switches to play games and control their environment. -------- New Local Branches: Kane Community Hospital 4372 Route 6 Kane, PA 16735 Contact: Margaret Azzato — 814-837-4735 (v); 814-837-8495 (fax); margaretazzato@hotmail.com (email) County: McKean Hearing Discovery Center 1515 Lansdowne Avenue Darby, PA 19023 Contact: Alice Pakhtigian — 610-237-6222 x28 (v); 610-237-1504 (TTY); 610-237-6231 (fax); apakhtigian@scs-delco.org (email) County: Delaware Clymer Public Library HC89, Box 39B Firehouse Road Pocono Pines, PA 18350 Contact: Wayne Wheeler — 570-646-0826 (v); 570-646-6181 (fax); wwheeler@clymerlibrary.org (email) County: Monroe Visual Impairment and Blind Services of Northampton County (VIBL) 129 E. Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18013 Contact: Joyce Smith — 610-866-8049 (v); 610-866-8730 (fax) County: Northampton -------- What about funding? Funding for switches, switch interfaces, and switch mounting systems should be included as a part of the cost of the item(s) with which the switch will be used. For example, a switch that is used to access a computer and the mounting for the switch should be included in the request for the computer. A switch that will be used to access a communication device should be included in the request for the communication device. For more information about resources and/or for assistance in accessing funding, contact your local ATRC or Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) at 800-204-7428 (v), 215-204-1356 (v/TTY), 215-204-9371 Fax, or piat@temple.edu. ~Janice Knuth, Funding Advocate -------- Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Institute on Disabilities Temple University 423 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122 Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY) http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend E-mail: atlend@temple.edu This publication is available in alternate formats, by request. Photos courtesy of the manufacturers. Editor: Sandra McNally smcnally@temple.edu 215-204-3370 PA’s Assistive Technology Lending Library is funded by the Commonwealth of PA, with partial support from the US Dept. of Education (through PA’s Initiative on Assistive Technology) and through the contributions of AT vendors, manufacturers, and users of the Lending Library. [end]