Switch Devices and Software
by Gerry Kennedy
Switches and Computing
Spectronics initially started from designing and building switches! Since those humble beginnings, the speed, power and multimedia capabilities of computers have changed dramatically. Users can access their favourite Macintosh or PC-compatible software packages by using one or more switches. A range of dedicated switch software programs to meet the needs of communication, education and/or leisure are specifically designed for switch users.
Switch technology has matured significantly over that time. A wide variety of models exist. They are robust, well designed, high quality switches, that provide users with access to communication, education, productivity and leisure-based software on Macintosh and PC-compatibles computers.
At Spectronics, we source the best available products from the U.S.A., U.K. and Australia. Flexible and feature packed products such as Discover:Kenx, Discover:Switch and Switch Interfaces from Don Johnson; IntelliKeys from IntelliTools, an extensive range of switches and mounting kits from Tash and AbleNet provide choice and appropriate access for users of all ages. Contact us for a catalogue or visit our web site http://www.spectronicsinoz.com for more information.
Dedicated Software
A selection of software solutions that provide access to Macintosh and PC-compatible computers, from the operating system up, includes:
ClickIt! (IntelliTools)
ClickIt allows a person to use a switch in order to activate Hot Spots. As many of today's programs involve pointing to active locations on the screen (i.e. Hot Spots) and clicking with a mouse, this innovative product gives switch access to a whole range of software - interactive CD ROM's, Internet Browsers, resource packages as well as a vast range of multimedia titles. ClickIt makes software accessible in minutes. You can customise scanning quickly and easily. It is ideal for people who can't use a mouse or touch an overlay. With ClickIt, a person with physical or visual disabilities can access menus, scroll bars, and dialogue boxes using switches. ClickIt allows you to hear every key spoken as you type and select text and hear it spoken. (Mac, PC)
Clicker 5 (Crick Software)
The access program for MS Windows with many great features. It allows users to perform any language and communication task. You can design onscreen windows and scanning grids that specifically meet a user's physical, cognitive and visual needs. You then choose scanning options to match users' needs. Use one switch or two; add letters, pictographs, clip art, sounds and/or colour to any cell. Use single step, column-row or row-column scanning - even set cells to make menu selections from other applications. Ideal for language based curriculum. (PC)
Discover:Switch (Madentec)
With Discover:Switch, people with physical disabilities can use the same software as their peers, send e-mail over the Internet, operate multimedia programs and do their homework. Discover:Switch attaches next to the keyboard, both working together. It shows a keyboard on the computer screen. This provides choice for writing, using the mouse or clicking the fun graphics in multimedia programs such as the Living Books series. The choices are highlighted automatically. Auditory Scanning is another feature that tells you where the choices are. It does anything you could do with a standard keyboard and mouse. Use with programs such as Write:OutLoud, Co:Writer, ClarisWorks, KidPix, Just Grandma and Me. (Mac, PC)
Discover:Kenx (Madentec) (Now superseded by IntelliSwitch)
Discover Ke:nx is a powerful combination of hardware and software that allows you to attach not only switches, but also an assortment of keyboard and mouse alternatives to the computer. The hardware interface allows you to connect up to 3 switches. The software part, Ke:nx Create, takes care of speech output, keyboard and mouse emulation, multi-tasking, custom displays and scanning arrays. A comprehensive solution for multiple users. (Mac)
Switch Interfaces (Don Johnston)
No setup required. Use these easy-to-install interfaces for "plug-and-go" access to single-switch software. Attach up to five standard switches to run switch-ready software:
Macintosh Switch Interface (Don Johnston)
Plugs into the ADB connector on your Macintosh keyboard. Use it with any switch-ready or "click" software.
DJ PC Switch Interface (Don Johnston)
Four different configurations are available - just press a function key to move between setups on your DOS or Windows PC computer. Plugs into any unused serial port on your computer. Use with switch-ready software.
Switch Software Programs
As well as providing switch arrays and templates in Discover Switch and Discover Ke:nx software, as well as Switch Interfaces for Mac and PC, Don Johnson Inc. has numerous other products from which to choose:
Blocks in Motion: an open-ended creative learning program. It develops thinking skills, encourages exploration and facilitates experimentation. Ideal for cross-curricula activities. It is Ke:nx Aware for extra-easy full switch access with Discover Ke:nx. (Mac)
Big:Calc: a Macintosh talking large display calculator that is Ke:nx Aware. Font size and colours for number buttons; display numbers and backgrounds can be changed to increase visibility/ figure ground discrimination. (Mac)
UKanDu Little Book Series: Engaging simple, easy to use storybook software packages especially designed for special needs and switch users. (Mac, PC)
- A Day at Play: Year 2 readability, 60-word vocabulary, perfect for early and pre-readers. Features three stories.
- Out and About: Year 1 readability, 63-word vocabulary, perfect for early and pre-readers. Features three stories.
UKanDu Switches, Too series: Simple, motivating cause-and-effect software incorporating simple stories, animation, lively sounds and auditory cues, ideal for switch introduction and training. (Mac, PC)
- Eensy and Friends: three humorous cause-and-effect activities that introduce learning concepts (direction, counting, number and colour identification)
- Forgetful and Friends: humorous cause-and-effect activities include Forgetful Bear, Molly's Day and Bobby's Bear Hunt.
Press to Play Series: Basic switch software with a broad age group appeal. Cause-and-effect software. (Mac, PC)
Press to Play-Animals: Incorporate four modes: Cause-and-effect, simple scan, complex scan or Point-Direct select with mouse or touch screen. Features rich graphics, fun animations and humorous scenes.
Press to Play-Speedy: Speedy is an active boy who has a wheelchair. Features many humorous and multicultural scenes in language-rich environments.
K.C. and Clyde in Fly Ball: A high quality choose-your-own adventure that focuses on literacy, reading and language involvement. Designed for primary classrooms, it features imaginative characters, colourful animation, music and fun word-recognition activities. (Mac CD ROM)
Pippi Longstocking: Based on Pippi and other characters from the popular books, filled with stories, puzzles and activities for discovery, reading and thinking. Features built-in scanning using DJ Switch Interfaces. (Mac, PC)
Camp Frog Hollow: Readability Years 2-3, features Key Stage 1 Dolch Sight-Word Vocabulary List, high quality graphics and real children's voices. It is an entertaining approach to reading, literacy and reading. Based on a "going to camp" theme. (Mac, PC CD ROM)
Storytime Tales: a collection of three stories for young children that help build literacy and communication skills and word identification. (Mac)
Circletime Tales Deluxe: Includes three "hand-play" nursery rhymes for young children. Rhyming and repetition teach users basic concepts such as up, down, colours and counting. (Mac -Disk or CD ROM)
Jokus and Other Software (by AheadMedia)
One (or more) switches can access all packages. Use with mouse, keyboard or switch. Titles include:
aMAZEing Ways: choice making, directionality and scanning skills training. (switch access only)
Hit 'n' Time: Helps develops switch-timing skills.
Jokus Faces: cause and affect
Camelephant: mix and match sections of animals
Early Learning Series: Use fun activities to promote independent learning: 3 titles.
Games 2 Play: cooperative and competitive games- for 1 /2 players. Age appropriate for older students.
Switch Intro: beginner switch users, cause-and-effect
Toystore: six discovery and learning activities
Workshop: discovery and learning
Vidur Viking: an arcade style game. (Mac only)
SoftTouch (formerly known as KidTECH)
Most titles are available for Mac and PC's are designed with higher-level content. Some cater to older children.
The Rodeo: cause/effect and number activities
Away We Ride: cause/effect and beginning reading
Old McDonald's Farm: preschool choice-making
Teen Tunes: cause/effect for teenagers with severe disabilities
Turtle Teasers: for integrated students - comprehensive
Make It Go, My Action Book and Best of KidTECH: all cause/effect with animation and graphics - preschool
Five Green and Speckled Frogs, Five Little Ducks, Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: preschool and lower primary children - feature songs and colourful animation
Living Books Instant Access Sets (IntelliTools)
Instant Access overlays are available to work with IntelliKeys: which means every page of every Living Book, is now instantly accessible. Children can play independently, without interruption. Simply slide one of three custom overlays into IntelliKeys and start up your Living Book program. The overlay automatically works with every screen of the Living Book. For switch users - plug in switches into IntelliKeys (1/2 switches) (Mac)