Switch Access Basics

Accessibility SupportsSwitch Access
Written By Janice Reese

Children who present with complex physical disabilities need alternative access to allow engagement with toys and/or communication systems.  Switches are not new to the world of assistive technology, but their use may be new to many teachers!  In this post, I am going to offer links to a range of printable resources that will help educators and clinicians kick-start their use of switches. The University at Buffalo - The State University of New York has developed a web resource, Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) program that has some valuable resources.  One example is the 'Switch Features List', a simple guide for evaluating the features of different switches.  Another program offered by the University at Buffalo is designed to support early intervention efforts using assistive technologies.  The Let's Play Project offers a resource guide for using switches with children 0 - 2 years old called Playing With Switches. Although the guide is a few years old and does not include many of the new toys available, the information is timeless. Inclusive technology has created a comprehensive teaching and assessment tool called the Switch Progression Roadmap. I love the ideas and the literal guide to progressively introducing and expanding switch use.  These are just a few resources for finding the help you need to get started.

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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