What is it?
Pneumatic switches are assistive technology devices that are activated by air pressure, typically through a sip (inhaling) or puff (exhaling) into a tube. They are specifically designed for individuals with limited physical movement who have good control over their breath. In the inclusive classroom, pneumatic switches offer students with significant motor disabilities an alternative, reliable way to access communication systems, adapted devices, and learning activities using their breath control.
How to use it?
To use a pneumatic switch, the device is connected to a communication device, computer, adapted toy, or environmental control system. The student activates the switch by either sipping or puffing into a mouthpiece or tube attached to the system. Educators and therapists help set up the equipment, adjust sensitivity settings as needed, and work with students to practice intentional sips or puffs through simple, motivating activities before moving on to more complex academic or communication tasks.
Why use it?
Pneumatic switches are essential tools for creating an inclusive classroom where students with profound physical disabilities can actively participate. They enable students to control technology, communicate, and engage in learning using a movement they can reliably perform—breath control. By offering pneumatic switches as part of the classroom’s assistive technology options, educators empower students to express themselves, make choices, and access the curriculum, fostering greater independence, engagement, and inclusion.
