Switch it up! Where to start the search for switch access points
Welcome to the wonderful world of switches!
This is probably one of my favorite areas to explore. I will admit, at first this can seem daunting and overwhelming with all the options out there. Let’s break it down to a few simple steps to get you started and you’ll be well on your way to providing increased engagement, access, and interaction for your student!
Observe
During the next session or interaction with your student, take 5-10 minutes to sit back and observe.
Click here for a link to our free notion page that you can duplicate and use for your next AT switch access assessment!
Describe their understanding of verbal directions.
What movement patterns do you notice?
Where is there voluntary movement patterns?
Do they have range of motion limitation that may interfere with switch access?
Is it physical movement or eye tracking?
Do their movement patterns change in different positions? (ie sitting, standing, walking, supine etc)
Do they have preferred people or objects they gravitate to?
Do they have experience with cause and effect?
Once you’ve spent time observing, list all the potential access points that you would like to start testing out. These can be physical touch points or eye tracking access points.
Target Practice
Now that you’ve observed and have potential access points, pick 3 you want to start with. This is where you beta test! Keep in mind, beta testing can be done over 1 session or over a month depending on your student. Some things to keep in mind when choosing access points to start with:
Voluntary movement that a student can perform with ease
Movements associated with non-academic tasks (play time or other preferred activity)
Small range of motion for increased success (slight head turn to activate with cheek, toe tap with heel supported)
Don’t have a switch on hand? No problem. You can use anything you have available whether it’s a stuffed animal, a sparkly light, ball, beads, or really anything! Any object can act as your switch that can be used as you figure out the best access point.
Here are some items I find useful for trialing:
Modular Hose: flexible mounts that can be clamped on and moved to test out different access points, great for students that use heavier pressure or need a more sturdy mount. The dual arm mount provides lots of versatility if you have the budget to purchase one for an “AT test kit”.
Andalus gear rubber ties : industrial twist ties for a temporary mount placement, great for smaller access points or for students with more sensitive skin/light pressure
Now for the fun part: you (or your staff) will become part of the cause and effect game!
** Keep in mind ** If your student is still learning cause and effect, you may need to take some time to teach this while testing out switches.
Simple and clear rules:
When you touch switch (stuffed animal, a sparkly light, ball, beads, etc)
The effect will be (music, moving the wheelchair forward, video will play, etc)
Review and reiterate
After your student has had opportunities to practice and try out certain switch access points, review how things went.
What worked well?
It would be even better if…?
Does the student need more time to practice or are there other skills to work on first before moving forward?
What barriers did the staff face when practicing?
If you found 1 or 2 access points, great! Now it’s time to look for switches to order, hook up and trial.
If there was still some challenges, go back to your original list and try 2-3 more access points.
It’s all about the process
Practicing this process will allow you the flexibility to adapt to the student’s needs. Whether it’s medical changes, preference, or something else, you are now equip with the creative thought process to design on the fly and rapidly prototype to find something that works for your students.
Good luck and let us know what creative solutions you come up with or challenges you come across in your switch access journey!
Drop us an email at hello@atypicalpt.com