Adaptive switches, combined with the right applications and equipment, can open up a whole new world for people who are severely physically disabled.  An individual who needs help with almost every aspect of daily care and everyday activities can become highly effective and successful through the use of alternate input methods for operating computers and a whole host of other electronic and computerized gadgets. 

 Switches offer the most severely disabled people a method of controlling by making use of whatever movement or muscle / joint control they have, no matter how limited or weak the movement.  

There are literally hundreds of different types of commercially available switches you can buy right out of a catalog.  And the types of switches you can dream up and fabricate for any one unique need is virtually endless. 

This approach to switch assessment, selection, training, and integration is the result of years of work with severely disabled individuals using a wide range of alternate input methods, including switches.

What are switches?

Why use switches?

Switch assessment

Joint movement

Control Sites

Types of Switches

Framework for Training

Photographs

"Switch/
Scanning" Explained
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from the Gus Communications web site (with permission)

Ideas and brainstorming can be useful in the sea of options available out there...  We provide you with some ideas, photos and opinions regarding how switches can best be implemented for individuals with different functional levels and needs.  

This is a constantly growing resource.  We welcome and invite your options, comments, ideas, and photos or switch setups and applications you have found useful and would like to share with others.