Adaptations Workshop
	Main Topics in This Workshop | Introduction | Input Device Selection | | Portable Communication Devices | | Customized Activites | Performance Indicators | | Adaptations Site Map |
Introduction to Adaptations- A Sample of the Adaptations Workshop Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see)
	Introduction Input Device Selection Switches and Toys Switch Selection

*Please Note- This page is a SAMPLE page of what the Adaptations Workshop has to offer. To view the rest of the workshop, you will need to register and log in.

Introduction to Adaptations

Technology provides the means by which all children can interact with their environment. Adaptive equipment and activities can assist young children with disabilities in establishing independent behavior and functioning to their full potential.

With the many pieces of adaptive equipment available for young children today, activities can be fairly easily customized to meet a child's individual needs. Since mouse input is usually the standard method of input for most early childhood software, adaptations need to be made for those children who cannot use a mouse. Alternate input methods include switches, TouchWindow or touch screen, IntelliKeys, Discover:Kenx, adapted mouse devices, trackballs, and adapted joystick. The method most suitable for a particular child can be determined through a technology assessment.

View Technology Assessment Workshop

When using any adaptive equipment, consideration must be give to setting up the appropriate environment for the child.

View Computer Environment Workshop

Input from a team, including family, teachers, therapists, and other support personnel will be needed to set up the optimum computer environment for the child. Besides input method, the child's positioning and the equipment placement will need to be decided.

Input Device Selection

Many different types of input devices are available today for use with a computer and young children. Selection of a particular device will depend on the child's abilities and the device features which are best suited to the child. Each device has advantages and disadvantages and will need to be evaluated for its effectiveness as an input method for the individual child.

Alternate input is not just for children with physical disabilities. Any young child can benefit from alternate input. Skills, such as attending, visual tracking, problem solving, and communication can be enhanced through use of switch or other devices.

Switch Input

A switch provides a simple input for introducing the computer to young children. A switch can also be used with a battery operated toy for off-computer activities or activities for very young children. Children with physical or cognitive limitations are given the opportunity to respond to their environment through switch use. Children can control external events and play with others. Switches also provide excellent preparation for future applications of environmental control and communication, since they help children gain a sense of predictability, normality, and an understanding of causality.

Switches and Toys

A switch can be used with any battery-operated object through the use of a battery interrupter.

The interrupter is placed against the battery connection to interrupt the circuit. The jack on the interrupter is then connected to the switch plug. The toy is turned on, but will only activate when the switch is pressed. Children learn that they can control the movement or sound of a toy through their pressing. Besides a toy, other battery-operated objects which can be used include a tape recorder with favorite song tapes or recordings of family voices, a small battery light or fan.

For further information on making an interrupter or a switch, see our product, Construction of a Tread Switch, videotape and manual which contains schematics.

Link to CPC web page with video product description http://www.wiu.edu/CPC/ htmlfiles/products /category/early.html

Adapted toys are also available for purchase from various adaptive equipment companies, such as Enabling Devices and Crestwood Communication Aids, Inc.

	Enabling Devices - Toys for Special Children http://www.enablingdevices.com/
	Crestwood Communication Aids, Inc. http://www.communicationaids.com/ adaptedtoys.htm
	Let's Play Project http://cosmos.ot.buffalo.edu/ letsplay/index.html.
	Information on selecting and using adapted toys, including various facts sheets, such as Selecting Switch Toys (listing of toys and companies) and Where to Begin. http://www.arkansas-ican.org/txt/fs_toys.html

Switch Selection

A variety of switches are available to meet the needs and abilities of children with disabilities. Matching the type of switch to the child is critical to insure the child's effective use of technology. Important factors for determining the best switch choice include:

• the child's most reliable body movement (whether it be the twitch of the eye or the kick of a leg, the movement must be one which can be controlled by the child and activated when needed)
• positioning of the child (for stable body position)
• placement of the switch (for maximum effectiveness)