However, if the student demonstrates involuntary movements, a switch requiring greater force may be preferred in order to avoid accidental activation. This type of switch will alternately turn a device on and off each time the switch is activated. Since gross motor movements are frequently used to activate a switch, a large activation surface is often needed. A student who has a visual impairment may benefit from a brightly colored switch. Other students may be distracted by the color and focus more on it than the toy or appliance being activated.
Textured switches are also available for students who require sensory input to locate the switch.
Others may fixate on the feedback of the switch, instead of the item that is being activated. For example, using a vibrating switch may be more exciting to the student than watching the battery operated car that the switch activates. During the selection process it is important that the team allow students to experiment with a variety of switches. This will help to insure that the features discussed above have been taken into adequate consideration and that they match the needs and skills of the student. Please contact us by phone, FAX, or online Technical Assistance request form if you are interested in checking out switches to use with your students.