Overview

Several options exist for students who can use a single switch to operate computer software. A single switch can interface with a computer to act as any single key or mouse function.

Frequently, computer-switch interfaces multiple switches, therefore giving the student access to two keys/mouse controls. With special software offering onscreen layouts of several key choices, a single switch can control any combination of keys, mouse actions or software commands. Key choices are often "scanned", where a highlighted box moves over items on the screen one after the other, until the student presses the switch to make a selection. This module will show you that it's easier than it sounds

Single Switch Computer Use

A student using a single switch with a software program is most successful when:

1. Switch control is reliable and consistent, and
2. The student understands his switch activation is causing change to happen.

Single switch activities are used to develop these basic skills. We often start with a child's control over a switch-adapted toy. He learns that when he pushes the switch, the toy moves; when he releases the switch, the toy stops. From the mastery of simple cause/effect activities, the child moves on to making more complex choices using a variety of adapted devices, including the computer!

Computer- Switch Interfaces

Children with disabilities may find additional benefits from software programs designed for all children. For them, computer activities can simulate traditional play and learning sequences that are easier to control.

For example, suppose a child likes to watch block towers being built and then knocked down, but is unable to experience this himself due to physical limitations. He can do it "all by himself" with the press of a single key, mouse or switch. He can also color, construct scenes and read a story depending on the software.

As you examine software programs, you will find that many require a limited number of key presses. Often only a simple mouse click is required! Any switch can be used with a variety of computer-switch interfaces to work as single or multiple keys or mouse functions (click, double click, drag).

The concepts are fairly simple. The computer (#1) is connected to the computer-switch interface (#2) which is then connected to the the switch (#3). The interface jack that is used determines what the computer receives when the switch is pressed.

The example above shows the Switch Interface Pro (Don Johnston). When the switch is plugged into the first jack, the computer will take the switch activation as a mouse click. When the switch is to act as the Enter key, it must be inserted into the last jack. See the DJ Switch Interface Pro instructions for more information.

Types of computer-switch interfaces

• Some switch interfaces combine the switch with the interface into a single device; you simply plug it in and use the switch. This works best for a student who can use a "push switch" and who needs only one key/mouse function to control a program.
• Other switch interfaces offer more options, including using a single switch to act as a choice of keyboard/mouse functions.
• Some computer-switch interfaces allow multiple switches.

Switch Interface Instructions

We have selected two popular switch interfaces to provide additional information on switch connection and use: the Switch Interface Pro (Don Johnson Pro) and IntelliKeys (IntelliTools).

Switch Interface Pro
Instructions for setting up and using the interface box for a variety of keyboard and mouse commands.

IntelliKeys
Using IntelliKeys with Switches
IntelliKeys USB
Switch Setting Chart

Single Switch Software

Cause and Effect Programs

Computer-switch interfaces often work best with software programs designed for switch use or that operate with only a few key commands. We provide a list of single switch software programs. Many programs help the early switch user by providing opportunities to practice using a switch with software programs. Frequently these programs result in one of the following reactions when the switch is pressed:

• The entire screen changes; a new sound is heard; an object appears; an object moves across the screen. Sometimes the visual, sound and animation components ALL work together to reinforce the key press.
• The switch acts as a "power button" in arcade-type games.
• An object or scene is built click by click.

Example: Switch It! Scenes (IntelliTools, Inc.)
Each time a student presses a switch, new objects are added to the scene.

Example: Storybook Song Software
Storybook software programs work particularly well for early switch-users. The student hears the story read to him, page by page, and uses his switch to "turn the page". The software includes colorful graphics, animation, highlighted text, enlarged text, music, and digitized singing. In the example below a popular "Arthur" program provides an independent opportunity for early literacy. Using any single switch interfaces described in the chart, set the interface to have the switch act as the right arrow key, and start to read the book!

There are several sources for single switch software including free programs on the Internet. Check out our Single Switch Software list and another put together by Kristen Eichleay on the QIAT listserv. Be sure to look for software that is interest and age-appropriate for your student. Did you know that even Nintendo can be adapted for single switch control? Go to Team Extreme for information!

Scanning Systems

Students who are successful with single switch use may need more efficient methods when using software requiring multiple keystrokes or clicking different screen areas. We typically do this by moving the cursor with a mouse and clicking or by using the keyboard.

A scan is comprised of equivalent key and mouse choices that appear on the screen when a software program is running. The student goes through (scans) the various commands and then activates a switch to make a choice. To use a scanning system, a student must be able to:

1. Make a choice from a field of options;
2. Watch/listen and wait until the choice is highlighted by the scanning box or advance through choices until they arrive at the choice; and
3. Activate a switch to select their choice. There are a variety of scanning systems available for elementary school students.

Scanning systems consist of 3 parts:

1. Switch - chosen based on the student's controlled movements.
2. Switch Interface -- connects the switch to the computer.
3. Scan action -- describes how items on the computer screen are sequentially highlighted, one after the other, until the student chooses one by pressing the switch.

There are several different scanning systems. How the scans are presented depend on the student's abilities.

Onscreen Scanning

Several scanning methods use actual objects on the screen as scanning choices. This makes it easy for a new user. It works particularly well with programs requiring a limited number of keys for software control. We describe three methods below.

Software with Built-In Scan Options

Bailey's Book House (Riverdeep)

Some software programs are available with built-in scans. An arrow or box moves to each of the "clickable" areas on the screen. When the arrow/box gets to the area a student wants, the student can press a single key or a switch to select it. With any of the switch interfaces on the previous page, a single switch can be connected and used to select the student's choice.

Universal 2-Direction Scanning

CrossScanner (RJ Cooper)

CrossScanner is a universal way to run all non-adapted software by single switch or any pointing device. The user is able to perform mouse moves and clicks, double clicks, drags, operate menus and enter text with optional OnScreen. The first click starts the line-scan down the screen. The next click stops the line when it gets to the user's desired vertical point. The final click tells the computer to move the cursor to that point and perform the chosen function. (Mac/Win)

Creating Software Scans

Specialized programs allow you to create a moving arrow or box that scans actual objects within the software itself. This is similar to the built-in scan in some software programs, except the student can identify exactly which objects to scan. She identifies these as "hot spots" on the screen, which respond to a mouse click, and then "marks" them. Each spot is then scanned. When the box is on the student's choice, she uses a single switch to select it.

Reader Rabbit's Reading 1

Click It! (IntelliTools, Inc.)
In Reader Rabbit's Reading 1 (The Learning Co.), the student is to identify words beginning with the consonant shown. He chooses to put words on the lift (if they match) or in the garbage can (if they don't). Typically, a student clicks on the lift or the garbage can with the mouse.

To adapt the software so a student, who is unable to use a mouse, can still interact with the software, a program to create the scan is required. The "hot spots" chosen for the scan are the lift (#3), garbage can (#2) and "go" (#1) button. Each of them are "scanned" with a moving box when a switch is pressed. The student activates a switch to start the scan and then presses again when his choice is highlighted. This allows the software to be controlled with just a single switch. ClickIt! allows you to customize the number of hot spots, the speed of the scan, and whether each hot spot will say the name of the object as it is scanned.

Discover: Switch (Don Johnston)
Instead of "hot spots," Discover:Switch software allows you to create "markers" on the screen that can then be activated using a connected switch.

Array Scanning

When a student needs to have access to all key and mouse commands, you may need a more organized and complex scanning system. How the student selects the key choice needs to be more efficient than scanning each item one at a time. We describe a popular method below.

Row/Column Scanning

Since "scanning" describes the manner in which items are sequentially highlighted, row/column scanning best illustrates this concept. It is often used for writing activities within a word processing program. The scanning box appears on the screen "on top" of the word processor. A switch press begins the activity by scanning each row one after the other. The student presses her switch when the row containing her desired choice (e.g. "S") is highlighted.

After selecting a row, the scanning sequence begins to horizontally scan items along the selected row. In the example, (Discover:Switch - ABC Setup) the first horizontal scan creates smaller groups of 5-6 keys to scan. When the highlighter box is on the group containing the desired key choice, the switch is activated. This then causes each key within the group to be individually scanned until the switch is pressed again to select the key, which immediately sends the letter "S" to the document.

Scanning requires the ability to locate the desired key and manipulate a switch and system to select it.

Customized Scans

Several scanning systems exist that include software and a customizable switch interface. These scanning arrays (layout of items) can include keyboard and mouse commands, as well as specialized features such as word prediction, built-in macros or communication messages. Items included in the array depend on the student; for example:

• Scanned items can include letters, words, phrases and pictures.
• Scans can include all mouse and keyboard functions students need to run software programs or just a few.
• "Macros" or key combinations (i.e. to print, open or save a file) can be pre-set under a single key.
• Communication messages, such as "I'm finished with this!" can be stored.
• Some arrays include scripting options where a command is given to "scan the menu bar". The resulting action is that the pointer goes to the top left of the screen and moves slowly to the right, scanning the menu choices. When the switch is pressed, the pull-down menu appears and the scanning highlight bar moves down through the new menu choices. Pressing the switch again makes the choice.
• Word prediction features provide quick access to frequently used words.

With these features, a student using a single switch can have full access to classroom software programs. Very often, onscreen keyboard vendors provide a scanning version for the single switch user.

Examples

Discover: Switch (Madentec)
This system replaces both the keyboard and mouse with scanning. The customized scans described below are included with Discover: Switch.

A scan has been created for a popular drawing program, KidPix. The array includes several drawing tools, mouse movements, color keys and various stamps. A student using a single switch can draw a picture or make a card on the computer.

This scan is created for use with a popular talking word processor: Write:Outloud. It includes the alphabet keys for writing as well as the speaking commands from the program. This helps a student to hear and edit her work as she writes.

The Advanced ABC scan includes punctuation keys as well as other navigation keys (open file, print, etc.) Communication messages are also included so the non-verbal student can initiate and respond to conversation while she is writing.