The Use Of Sensor Switches To Access Technology

-- Courtesy of Cerebral Palsy Education Centre. 
   Authors: Fiona Beauchamp, Kim Tait, Melissa Riepsamen.
   May, 2014.

Many children with severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs may have limited opportunities to access technology for leisure and communication. For some children, the physical effort may be overwhelming and they are often more effective communicators using their light technology communication systems (e.g. PODD). To use a light tech system, a child needs a smart communication partner who is able to read their subtle cues to initiate communication and clarify intelligibility of head movements to indicate yes/no. Human (smart) communication partners will interpret movements even if they are not completely accurate. The challenge for some children when using high technology communication systems, is that a speech-generating device is unable to pick up on subtle movement cues, accidental switch hits, or seek clarification.

We have used sensor switches at CPEC for many children who have severe movement challenges, difficulties with seizure control, or get stuck in reflexive movement patterns. Previously these children were not as successful with accessing their switches. To activate a typical switch (specs switches, jelly beans, microlight etc.) it require two movements. The first movement is to move towards the switch, the second movement is to push to activate the switch (Burkhart, 2012). Sensor switches eliminate the need for two motor movements to activate the switch. This assists with developing motor automaticity and reducing fatigue.

There are a range of sensor switches on the market, including AbleNet wireless Candy Corn, AMDI Proximity Sensor Switch Kits etc.

Each switch has individual settings, some have a narrow range, while others can be adjusted or have larger sensor ranges.

It is important to consider auditory feedback and whether this can be switched off, so that it not distractive to the user or other children/adults in a mainstream classroom.

We have found that the AMDI Proximity Sensor Switch Kits range (despite the inconvenience of the battery pack) has the most flexibility. The Mini Moon Proximity Sensors (with some sticky back foam) has been most commonly used.

The Reflective Beam is in trial at the moment for children who have strong reflexive movement patterns (pulling them into uncomfortable positions that they have difficulty getting out of). This enables the switch to be mounted further away from the user and requires smaller movement to activate.

Communicate AT would like to thank Cerebral Palsy Education Centre for writing the above document for our website.  We hope it has shown more insight on how unique switch access is and how singularly important the most appropriate switch and successful switch indentification can be.

Products highlighted in CPEC's article included:

• Candy Corn Proximity Switch from AbleNet
  
  The Candy Corn proximity sensor switch is highly sensitive and does not require a physical touch to activate. An all-in-one switch, visual and auditory cues occur when the switch is activated.
  
  Learn more about Candy Corn Proximity Switch by following this link ...
  
  
  
  
• Micro Light Switch from AbleNet
  
  The Micro Light switch from AbleNet is activated by pressing down on the top of the switch with only a feather light touch. It requires just 11 g of pressure to activate it, which is about the same as touching an iPad screen.
  
  Learn more about Micro Light Switch by following this link ...
  
  
  
• AMDi Proximity Sensor Switch Kits
  
  

  

• Sensor switches are designed to meet the needs of people with limited movement, strength and/or to avoid fatigue.

  Learn about the range of AMDi Sensor Switches by following this link ...