Switch Use

Today in class we got to look at the use of switches and how we can use them in our classroom and for everyday use. Remembering back to when I worked at the Developmental Centre we used single switched for many reasons with the children. We often used them to activate an electronic toys, and if we were reading a story with a repetitive phrase we would often use the "big mac" switch and record the repetitive phrase so that the child could participate in the story. We were very lucky to have a part-time OT on staff as well as a part time SLP to help with the decision of what switch would be best and in what position.



I do recall an occasion where we had a student with cerebral palsy who had little control over his arm and leg movements. At the time we were attempting toiletting and he was fairly successful but we needed a device that could be on him at all times and accessible at all times that he could use to notify an adult when he needed to go to the washroom (he was in a wheelchair). This was a hard task as he had little control and we wanted it to be something that was on him at all times. I am really not sure of the final outcome of this as it was a long time ago but we did try him with a little watch that could have a recording and he just had to touch the face. This was one area where he could cross his arms to touch. I think the one problem with this was at the time he was seen by the AT people at the IWK. They only looked at this at the hospital and not in the setting of the centre or home. I think as we have seen several times that assessment should really take place in the environment that the child is most in. I wish I could remember what type of switch or communication device was used for this child.



When deciding on what type a switch will best suit a certain student there are many things to consider before hand. we have to look at the mobility of the student and where best to place the switch (control site). This depends on where exactly they have the most control. It could be the head, knee, hand, elbow, foot etc. Another thing to take in to consideration is how much force they can put on the switch to activate it. Some switches require more pressure than others to activate. A student may only be able to use a light finger touch so the switch has to be appropriate for this. The size and weight are also important. It has to be easily transported so the child can access it anytime.

All this has gotten me thinking about a friend. He is 43 and living in a nursing home. He has MS and it is very sad to see how fast this disease has progressed in such a short time. At this point he only has limited use of his left arm. Occasionally even this arm locks and he can not move either arm. When this happens he is not able to do anything for himself. Because he is not able to get out his computer is his life line, when either arm works he is not able to use his computer and this is very difficult on him. Looking at these switch items I feel that there is hope for him to find an accessible way for him to use his computer. the first obstacle would be to find out who can help him and set up an appointment to look at switch access for when it is needed.