The HoneyBee proximity switch is an assistive technology device that provides accessibility whenever you need switch access that requires minimal physical strength or movement. First, watch the video for an overview of the basics.

Getting Started

Implementation Ideas and Strategies

The HoneyBee proximity switch is available for purchase from Adaptivations. The instruction manual includes information to help you get started and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Switches are a means of access. But access to what, exactly?

1) Toys. The first thing most people use a switch for is to access a toy. All children, regardless of ability, need the opportunity to play and explore. Watch the videos below to see switch adapted toys in action:

2) Games and Activities. Think inclusion here. These items allow the student to participate in whatever activity is going on in the classroom—whether it’s a game of BINGO, Simon Says, or story sequencing. Switches can be used with items like the All-Turn-It Spinner, the Randomizer, or the Sequenser so that everyone has a way to participate in the fun!

3) Gaming. Yes, I suppose that I could have included this with games and activities, but since this category has exploded recently, I thought that it deserved a place of its own. Gaming is particularly important to middle and high school students who use it not just for entertainment, but also for socializing. With the release of the Microsoft Adaptive Controller for the Xbox, the idea of adaptive gaming became mainstream. To keep up to date on everything in the disability gaming community, follow AbleGamers. And for a switch accessible website dedicated to gaming accessibility, go to OneSwitch.

4) Environmental Controls. Does your student want to turn up the music? Turn on the light? Turn off the fan? Switches can provide a way for your student to interact and control their own environment. Anything that you would plug into the wall, can be plugged into the PowerLink and controlled with a switch. Normally, this would also require connecting the switch to a device like the PowerLink.

5) Communication. Some switches are also communication devices for single messages or sequential messages (please note, this is not referring to a robust alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) system, that will be covered in the computer access section-although there is overlap!). Probably the name you hear most often is a BIGmack, and let me tell you, there is no end to the creative ways you can use this single message communication device! Glenda provides Creative Ways to Use a Switch Communicator, TalkSense takes a very deep dive into 106 Ideas for using a BIGmack, Ablenet provides their own list of 101+ for Using the BIGmack, Call Scotland created a printable alphabet of easy ideas for using a single message communicator, and PrAACtical AAC has a round-up of ideas for implementing a sequential message device.

Webinars covering switch use in communication:

5) Computer Access. Considering how much of our work, school, and entertainment involves a computer, tablet, or smartphone now, providing switch access to these devices is vital. Also, if a student needs a robust AAC program in order to communicate, but is unable to use direct access (i.e. touching the screen), a switch could provide access to that communication program. However, in order for a switch to work with a computer or tablet, you’ll need to plug it into an interface, such as a Swifty, and then plug the interface into the computer or tablet—just be sure to check exactly what operating system (Windows/iOS/Android/etc.) that the interface is made for. Of course, you can always go wireless. Some switch interfaces are wireless and there are also Bluetooth accessible switches that work directly with the computer or tablet, cutting out the middleman entirely.

Because using a switch with a computer or tablet can be confusing, AAC Intervention created Recipes for Switch Control, which writes out all the ingredients and steps you need to take in order to make the switch, interface, iPad, and app all work together.

6) Mobility. How do you get that power wheelchair to go? Probably with a switch! AT and Me provides a great overview of the different types of switches and positioning used to control power wheelchairs.

A Switch by Any Other Name…

Regardless of what switch you use, implementation is basically the same. Whatever switch you decide to use, these implementation ideas and strategies will help. If you are just dipping your toes in the water and are looking for some very quick and easy ideas to get you started, try 50 Simple Switch or Low Tech Ideas! from Molly Shannon, OTR/L, ATP. Also, this overview of types of switches from Communicate AT part 1 and part 2 will give you an idea of what’s available. The videos below also provide an excellent overview of types of switches and mounting options.

Check out our Waklet list of Switch Accessible Games. And if you are looking for switch accessible iPad apps, here are PDF lists from Connective Technology Solutions, Enabling Devices, Columbia Regional Program, Independent Living Centre WA, and Jane Farrall.

Switch Assessment Webinars

Linda Burkhart

No discussion of switch implementation would be complete without Linda Burkhart, who is a pioneer in the field. Please keep in mind that her material is very dense, so take your time working through it. You will be glad that you did! This two-part training session is a great place to start. Be sure to download the slides and the original article published in ASHA, “Stepping Stones to Switch Access.”

Individuals who face severe physical and sensory challenges along with complex communication needs should be given opportunities to learn switch access through a continuum of carefully selected activities, with active engagement and engineered problem-solving experiences.

There is also a handout version of the article called Two Switches for Success: Access for Children with Severe Physical and/or Multiple Challenges and a Stepping Stones To Switch Access Two Switch Step Scanning chart as s reference to guide you through each step. Finally, Linda provides the Switch Access – Sample Goals for Children who have Severe Multiple Disabilities handout, which covers IEP goal writing for students who require switch access.

Ian Bean

Another wonderful source for learning how to implement switches is Ian Bean from Inclusive. Start with his downloadable Switch Progression Assessment Guide and Useful Resources for an overview of switch and interface selection and prompt fading, and then dive into his 60-page guide, Learning Journeys Switch Progression Road Map,

The Switch Progression Road Map will help you assess a learner’s baseline, set achievable learning milestones and provide you with all the help you need to teach these important skills in a way which is both meaningful and motivating for your students.

His website even includes a section of FREE switch activities and FREE downloadable resources.

Flow Chart … Putting it All Together!

Developed by the Independent Living Centre WA (ILC WA), Unlocking Abilities: Keys to Developing Switching Skills is a downloadable flow chart based on the work of Linda Burkhart and Ian Bean that walks you though each step by outlining objectives, tips and tricks, and activity ideas. In addition, this can be paired with the Developing Switch Skills downloadable feature match table, which matches specific games available on the HelpKidzLearn website to each step in the progression of switch skill acquisition.

Low Cost DIY Option

Proximity Switches can be pricey. But, it’s possible to make DIY proximity switch for a fraction of the cost! For Enginursday, Alex from Sparkfun worked with a Speech Language Pathologist to create a proximity switch to use with an AAC device.

DIY Switch Adapted Toys

Buying switch-adapted toys can sometimes be cost prohibitive, but you can learn to make switch-adapted toys yourself! For a deep dive into toy adaptation, head to the AT Makers website. And don’t forget that you can also use a battery interrupter with any toy without having to adapt it. Check out the videos below to learn the basics of toy adaptation and making battery interrupter.

AT Maker Mounting Options

This 3-D printed switch is custom made to the measurements of the HoneyBee switch, but uses a very common camera mount, which opens up a world of inexpensive mounting options. Directions can be found at Makers Making Change, AT Makers, and Thingiverse.

Keep Learning

Ready for more? Written by Tony Jones and Judy King, Switching to Success: Stages in Switch Development provides a detailed guide to switch use—from choosing the right switch to best practices in the classroom. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare created a detailed breakdown of Considerations for Switches. Also, Ace Centre offers the free downloadable guide, Switch Assessment and Planning Framework for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (just add to the cart). Christopher Hills is a switch superuser, his YouTube channel is the place to go when you are ready to go beyond the basics.

What’s it really like to use a single switch for computer access? The blogger at 24 Accessibility did an experiment on himself. He used a single switch for 24 hours and wrote about what the experience was like and his insights.

Get the QR Code

AT4Kids's "Assistive Technology On the Spot!" is a series of quick tutorials that you can access by scanning a QR code on your device. The videos will go over the basics of getting started and then find comprehensive implementation resources for your child or student on our website.

If you don’t already have our QR code on your HoneyBee proximity switch, please download and print this QR code and tape it to your device. This way, anyone who works with your student or child will be able to scan the code with their phone and know how to use the device.