Adapted Switches for People with Disabilities

Types of Capability Switches

Enabling Devices offers many switch options, including:

• Gumballs and jumbos: Our gumball switches have a simple and comfortable design and a wide activation surface for users with limited or impaired fine and gross motor skills.
• Hand, finger and body switches: The hand switches are useful for people with limited movement, requiring a slight movement of a finger, wrist or other body part to activate.
• Lights, vibration and music switches: Our light, music and vibration switches provide a sensory experience by making sounds and blinking lights. These features also help individuals with visual impairment find the switch.
• Pillow switches: The pillow switch is covered with foam and gives tactile feedback when pressed using the hands, arms, shoulders or head.
• Plate switches: Our plate switches have large activation surfaces that respond to gentle touch or pressure.
• Saucer switches: A saucer switch can be rolled up on and activated with a light touch. This switch option is designed for people with limited control over wrist and hand movements.
• Sip, puff and mouth switches: Our mouth switches enable users to control two devices — one is activated by sipping and the other by puffing.
• Switch modifiers: Our switch modifiers change a capability switch to be timed or on and off for intentional activation.
• Textured switches: The textured switches have lines and bumps to provide a tactile experience when using the switch.
• Theme and animal switches: Our themed switches have cute animals they will love, encouraging them to use their switch.
• Wheelchair and bedside switches: Our wheelchair and bedside switches attach to wheelchair armrests, bedrails and tabletops and are activated by a gentle touch or slight body movement.
• Wireless, movement and sound-activated switches: These wearable switches are activated by movement as small as turning your wrist or wrinkling your forehead. This design is ideal for individuals with limited or impaired gross and fine motor skills or movement limitations.

How to Choose an Adaptive Switch

When choosing the best type of adaptive switch for disabilities, consider their:

• Physical abilities, such as which body part they will use and the amount of force they can apply to the activation surface.
• Motivation and developmental needs to encourage using the switch without causing fatigue or strain.
• Range of motion to match the switch to their movement abilities.

If you’d like further guidance to help decide which switch is best for your family member or student, you can reach out to our team or check out our product comparison chart for capability switches.

Shop Capability Switches for Disabilities at Enabling Devices

Enabling Devices has a variety of adapted products, like capability switches, that help kids and adults with disabilities lead a fulfilling and joyful life. Browse our adaptive switches on our website, and place your order today. You can also contact our team for more information about our products.