What is it?
Switches are assistive technology devices that allow individuals with physical, motor, or cognitive disabilities to control technology or other devices with a simple movement or activation. Switches come in many forms, such as buttons, touchpads, sip-and-puff systems, proximity sensors, and light-touch or sound-activated switches. In the inclusive classroom, switches are essential tools for giving students alternative ways to access communication systems, computers, toys, environmental controls, and learning activities.
How to use it?
To use a switch, it is connected to a device such as a communication system, adapted toy, or computer interface. The student activates the switch through a designated movement—such as pressing, tapping, blowing, or gesturing—depending on the type of switch and the student’s physical abilities. Educators and therapists can customize switch placement and sensitivity based on the student’s needs, and scaffold learning activities to give students meaningful opportunities to practice and use the switch for communication, academic tasks, and play.
Why use it?
Using switches in the inclusive classroom is critical for ensuring that students with significant physical or communication challenges can actively participate in learning and interaction. Switches empower students to communicate choices, control technology, and engage in educational and social activities that might otherwise be inaccessible. By integrating switch access, educators promote independence, agency, and equitable opportunities for all students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
