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University of Colorado Denver

CU Denver

Ability Switches

Other Categories for Physical Access:

Types of Ability Switches

Switches generally fall into two broad types: mechanical and electrical. Mechanical switches have a physical actuator that triggers an action and generally requires a certain amount of physical force to operate. Light switches, doorbells, and the knobs on an oven are good examples of mechanical switches. Electrical switches do not require an activation force because there is no physical actuator. Examples of everyday electrical switches include touch screens and motion sensors.

Mechanical Switch Options

Button switches
Joysticks
Grasp switches
Chin switches
Pillow switches
Wobble switches

Electrical Switch Options

Capacitive switch
Sip-n-Puff switch
Optical (IR) - eye blink switch
EMG switch
Brainwave switch

Switch Access Methods

Switches can be used to directly control a device like a lamp or, when used in conjunction with a scanning system, can control more complex technology such as computers or mobile devices. Scanning refers to the systematic presentation of choices to the user. When a desired choice is presented, the person can press their switch to make the selection. Scanning software is available for computers, mobile devices, environmental control systems, wheelchairs and many other complex technologies.

Scanning Techniques

Automatic Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Inverse Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Stepped Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Scanning Patterns

Linear Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Row/Column Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Quadrant Scanning

holds the switch to sustain scanning until the desired selection is highlighted and then releases the switch to choose that selection.

Considerations

Selecting an appropriate switch requires careful consideration of the person's abilities and typically involves an experienced physical or occupational therapist, or well trained assistive technology specialist.
Concepts such as target size, activation force, volitional movement, stamina, range of motion and mounting location must all be taken into account when selecting and placing a switch for optimal performance.
Learning to use a switch may require training and adequate support particularly when using a switch with scanning software.

Category Notes

Primary Disabilities Supported	Work-Related Functions	Vendors
Dexterity or grapho-motor weakness Spasticity Tremor Neuropathy Significant loss or motor function	Workstation / Computer Access Mobile Device Access Environmental control Communication	Enabling Devices AbleNet eSpecialNeeds Microsoft

Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE)

CU Denver

The Hub, Bioengineering

1224 5th Street

Suite 130

Denver, CO 80204

303-315-1280

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