|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
View Ablenet Website http://www.ablenetinc.com/ |
Customized Switch HolderThe Center has designed a wooden switch holder (see picture, left) which is made to fit a particular switch, such as the Jellybean Switch or Big Red Switch.
Any switch can be used with the computer through a switch interface. The interface can be purchased for use with one computer system, either a Macintosh or PC, or the interface may work with both systems.
Don Johnston's Switch Interface Pro attaches to either computer. The device allows access to any switch-ready software for Macintosh or Windows.
Before using a switch with a child, prepare the environment by plugging the switch into the appropriate hole on the switch interface, opening up the software application, and checking the software set-up to make sure it is on the proper setting such as “one switch.”
|
View Don Johnston's Switch Interface Pro http://www.donjohnston.com/products/access_solutions/hardware/index.html |
 |
A Customized Switch Holder: One Solution to Switch Placement Problems PDF |
When selecting software for switch use, a progression of skills needs to be considered. Children who have not used a switch before will need to begin with a program which contains simple graphics and sound with each press of the switch. After achieving causality, the child will begin to progress toward scanning skills in order to eventually communicate through words or pictures with a switch press. The Center has developed six levels of switch progression to help a child work toward more sophisticated use of a switch. Some children will need to use a switch to communicate with an augmentative communication device or use a word processor to communicate. Suggested software will help the child work towards these skills.
|
Link to Levels of Switch Progession PDF |
|
For other ideas on switch software and applications, see the article, “Why Use a Switch or TouchWindow?” http://www.wiu.edu/users/mimacp/wiu/articles/switch.html |
Touch ScreensAnother alternate input method is the touch screen or TouchWindow. A touch screen takes the place of the mouse so young children can activate a program by pressing on the screen or moving their finger across the surface and then pressing on a hot spot in the program.
Touch screens can be purchased already built into a computer monitor or as an external device. Two of the most popular external touch screens for either the Macintosh or the PC computers are the Magic Touch and the TouchWindow. These are touch sensitive devices which attach to the front of the monitor.
Different sizes can be ordered to match your monitor. Sizes range from 13-15" to 21" depending on the company and model. The device connects to either the serial port, USB port, or ADB port depending on your computer and the type of screen connection ordered. Some models come with a stylus which a young child could use instead of their finger. Touch screens are also available for lap top computers.
|
View Magic Touch http://www.magictouch.com/ |
|
View TouchWindow Info on Touchscreen Technology http://www.touchwindow.com/ |
The first time the Magic Touch Screen or TouchWindow are attached, driver software will need to be installed on the hard drive. After this is installed the TouchWindow can then be calibrated. Once installed and mounted, as with the switch interface, the TouchWindow won’t interfere with the traditional use of the computer.
Any mouse-operated program can be used with the touch screen. Also many switch programs can be used with the touch screen. When using a touch screen for the first time with a child, software should be selected which is activated by a touch anywhere on the screen. Many simple switch programs, such as Switch Basics or Simtech's Cause and Effect Sights and Sounds have sounds or music and colorful graphics which are activated by a touch on the screen. As children become more accustomed to using the TouchWindow, they can begin to use programs which offer a variety of activation areas on each screen, such as Just Grandma and Me, Stellaluna, Green Eggs and Ham, or other Living Books software. Other good early childhood programs which work well with the TouchWindow include Millie’s Math House and Sammy's Science House by Edmark.
A variety of activities can be developed around any of the recommended programs. Whatever input method is used, technology can be a tool for increasing attending and communication skills and helping develop a variety of early childhood skills. Young children benefit from the consistent use of the equipment as a tool. The computer provides children the environment for acquiring early concepts and gaining confidence in communication and cognitive skills. By providing young children the opportunity to perform at their full potential now through simple input methods, such as the switch or TouchWindow, they become prepared for future use of the computer as a tool.
Besides offering a beginning method of input, the switch may also serve as a tool for communication and other functions throughout a child's life. The child may need to learn how to indicate needs or wants by using a switch to scan across an array of choices.
The IntelliKeys is another type of touch tablet which can be customized for use with young children. This device is available from IntelliTools.
|
View IntelliKeys Site http://www.intellitools.com/ |
The IntelliKeys plugs into any Macintosh or Windows computer. The user purchases the appropriate cable to match the computer system. The IntelliKeys USB will work with either computer. The device comes with six standard overlays which contain alphabet, number, mouse arrows, and keyboard configurations. The IntelliKeys also has two built-in holes for switch input so that the device serves as a switch interface. For further information on the IntelliKeys device, see the fact sheet on IntelliKeys from Queensland Low Incidence Unit.
With the standard overlays, IntelliKeys serves as an alternate input for any keyboard or mouse operated program. Activities can also be customized for individuals with specially designed software made by IntelliTools:
For more information on each program, check products information at the Intellitools website.
|
Intellitools http://www.intellitools.com/ |
 |
Overlays |
Input Device Selection