Capability Switches –
Which One Is Right For You?
Enabling Devices takes pride in manufacturing hundreds of durable yet extremely sensitive capability switches at reasonable prices. However, it can be difficult to decide which switch would work best for your particular set of circumstances. In this newsletter, we set forth important factors to consider when choosing a switch. Of course, our technical staff is available to address any additional questions or concerns you may have at customer_support@enablingdevices.com.
When selecting a switch, there are several important factors to consider:
Actions
What actions can the person who will use the switch reliably perform?
Activating the switch should not cause a person undue fatigue or pain, or compromise good muscle tone.
Parts of the Body
Which part of the body will give the person the best control over switch activation?
Many switches are available for different parts of the body: head, mouth, hand, finger, etc.
Head Switches**
– Ultimate Switch (#1671 & #2700)
– Mother’s Third Arm with Switch (#9098)
– Wobble Switch with Gooseneck & Clamp (#1063)
– Head Switch (#705)
**Can also be activated by other parts of the body
Foot Switch
– Foot Switch (#6000)
Mouth Switch
– Sip and Puff Switch (#970)
Eye Switch
– Eye Blink Switch (#9008)
Small Muscle Movement
– Twitch Switch (#1061)
Amount of Force
How much force can the person consistently exert when hitting a switch?
Sensitive Switches
If a person can only apply a minimum amount of force, then our most sensitive switches are appropriate:
Gumball Switches (#782R, Y, B, G, P)
Credit Card Switch (#5580)
Finger Switch (#717)
Ultimate Switch (#1671)
Twitch Switch (#1061)
Compact Switch (#714)
Saucer Switch (#718)
Petite Pillow Switch (#1675)
Durable Switches
If a person will exert a lot of force, the switch will need to be very durable. Most desirable is a switch that will soften the impact between the switch and the body part. Our “Soft Yet Strong” switches are:
Ultimate Switch (#1671)
Gooshy Switch (#634)
Petite Pillow Switch (#831)
Floating Pillow Switch (#637)
Targeting
Does the person lack good targeting ability?
If so, you should choose a switch with a larger surface area. Our largest switches are:
Jumbo Switches (#787R, Y, B, G, P)
Modified Pancake Switches (#769R, B, Y G)
Textured Saucer Switches (#722R, B, S)
Saucer Switch (#718)
5" x 8" Plate Switch (#820)
Floating Pillow Switch (#637)
Range of Motion
What is the person’s range of motion?
People with fine motor skills and a small range of motion must choose a switch which is activated after a short “travel”. Travel is the distance a person must press on a switch before it is activated. Our switches requiring short travel are:
Gumball Switches (#782R, Y, B, G, P)
Ultimate Switch (#1671)
Saucer Switch (#718)
Twitch Switch (#1061)
Credit Card Switch (#5580)
Finger Switch (#717)
Compact Switch (#714)
Perception
Does the person have perceptual difficulties?
If so, feedback from the switch that has been activated will be beneficial. Feedback on our switches includes music, vibration and/or lights. Our switches with feedback include:
9" x 6" Multi-Sensory Center (#725)
11" x 7" Multi-Sensory Center (#726)
Textured Roller Switch with lights, vibration & music (#639)
Sensi-ball Switch with lights, vibration & music (#643-S)
Floating Pillow Switch with lights, vibration & music (#638)
Koosh Switch (#883)
Jumbo Switch w/Lights, Music & Vibration (#768)
Musical Fan Switch w/Lights (#742)
Vibrating Light (#459)
Visual
Does the person have visual impairments?
Several of our switches are specifically designed for people with visual impairments. Several have bright locator lights, texture and the switch itself is a bright light. These switches include:
Large Lens Switch (#957)
Signal Switch (#956)
Bright Switch for the VI (#2045)
Bright Red Switch (#262)
Tail Light Switches (#463 & #465)
Switch and Glow (#894)
Magic Lighted Ball Switch (#895)
Adjustable Angled Sequencer/Switch (#806)
Vibrating Light w/Switch (#458)
Motivation
Do you want to motivate a student to participate in activities?
Many switches are designed to encourage a person to reach out and engage in activities. Some examples include:
Silly Pin Switch with lights, vibration & music (#209)
Lady Bug Switch with lights, vibration & music (#729)
Saucer Dome Switch with lights, vibration & music (#78)
Mounting
Where will the person be using the switch?
This will determine how the switch should be mounted in order to facilitate its use. The switch should not be positioned too far away so that it is inconvenient to reach, nor should it be too close so that it interferes with other activities. Many of the switches listed above may require mounting systems that are sold separately.
Switches for Learning
Do you want to use switches to teach your students new skills?
For Switch Training, we suggest:
Hold-It Down Trainer (#7400)
For Cause and Effect, we suggest:
Musical Fan Switch with Lights (#742)
To Increase Strength, Dexterity, or Fine Motor Skills, we suggest:
Retractable Pincer Switch (#1031)
Finger Isolation Button (#716)
Switches for Computers and iPads
For iPads:
iPad Cordless Super Switch (#1052)
For Computers:
Super Switch (#563)
Computer Ready Switches (#4070, #4071, #4072, #4073)
Switches for Assessment
Do you need a variety of switches to ascertain what is best for each of your clients? We suggest:
Basic Switch Assessment Kit (#7750)
Assessment Kit for More Involved Clients (#7755)
Revised 10/12/11