Welcome to the AAC ToolKit, compiled by me: Hanna Bogen! This is an evolving ToolKit of AAC resources (most of which were not developed by me) for children and adult clients who currently use or are being evaluated to use AAC! Stay posted for continual updates! Each post is a resource that can be used for either children, adults, or all AAC users!

In case you're wondering how to use this site most effectively, here are a couple pointers! Just below this "blurb" and to the right is a section called Types of Resources. This is a general categorization of the posts/tools into populations: adults, children and young adults, and all AAC users (both adults and children) and eval/assessment vs. intervention tools. You can click each of those general categories to find specific posts/tools that relate to those categories. Below that area is the Blog Archive, a list of all posts/tools on this site, in case you'd rather navigate through the resources in that way!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Switch Interfaces: A Spreadsheet of Options


Resource Toolkit Assignment:  Resource Summary Sheet

1.     Name of the tool, or a brief description: A collection of switch interfaces available to AAC users.

2.     What type of patient(s) would you use this tool/technique with?  (Describe by characteristics or by etiology.) This tool would be relevant for any client who has significant cognitive or physical impairments that necessitate the inclusion of a switch in their communication system. I foresee using this tool collaboratively with a client’s OT or PT in determining the best physical set-up for the client as well as the best way to support communication within their physical limitations.

3.     How/why would you use this tool?  In what way will it be helpful? Since switches can be so different, and clients’ needs can vary so vastly, it’s critical to choose the right switch for them and this tool is a great resource for either showing a new switch interface to the SLP or reminding her of a switch she might not have worked with recently.

4.     What are the advantages of this tool/technique? This tool provides lots of great information about numerous types of switch interfaces in a clear, organized way. You have access to updated (as of March 2012) information about the switch’s name, the company producing it, connection opportunities, the number of switches involved, necessary software to be installed, a link for additional information, and a picture of the switch.

5.     Are there any disadvantages to this tool/technique? Not that I can see!

The next several questions relate to how you obtained this resource:
6.     If you used an existing tool, answer these two questions:
a)     Source/citation for this tool:   (whether published, or from a course, or SPHSC materials) This tool was created by Linda J. Burkhart and Darlene Brodbeck and posted on Linda J. Burkhart’s website, Simplified Technology: http://www.lburkhart.com/handouts.htm. The specific webpage address for the switch interface list is: http://www.lburkhart.com/Switch_Interfaces_chart_3_12.pdf.

b)     Did you modify this tool?  If so, in what way? No, I did not modify this in any way.

c)      Anything you still don’t like about it and may change in the future? No, I like it the way it is!


*****If the images of each switch interface do not appear in this post, go to the provided link (above) for access to the original pdf document.



Switch Interfaces – Collected by Linda Burkhart and Darlene Brodbeck (March, 2012)
Name
Company
Connection
Number of switches
Software installation necessary
Price
More information
Switch Interface Pro 6.0
Don Johnston
USB
5
No software needed – change the button on the interface to set it for various programs
Now supports Clicker 6!
$94.99
http://www.donjohn ston.com/products/a ccess_solutions/hard ware/switch_interfac e_pro_5/index.html
Switch Interface Pro
Don Johnston
Keyboard port on a Windows computer ADB port on a Macintosh computer.
5
No software needed -­‐ change the button on the interface to set it for various programs
$79.00
http://www.donjohn ston.com/products/a ccess_solutions/hard ware/switch_interfac e_pro/index.html
Crick USB Switch Box
Crick Software
USB
4
Software required. It automatically adjusts and remembers programs with the installed database which can be updated. You can assign any key stroke or mouse click for each of the 4 ports.
$159.00
http://www.cricksoft .com/us/products/ac cess/usb.aspx
Mouse Interface
TASH
USB
5
No software needed. Allows any five individual single switches to become the mouse keys giving four directions and click for mouse or cursor
$113.00
http://webstore.able netinc.com/mouse-­‐ interface-­‐5/p/25010/

Inclusive MultiSwitch
Inclusive TLC
USB
6
Software installation needed. The Inclusive MultiSwitch keeps itself up-­‐to-­‐date by downloading the latest database of software titles whenever you go on the internet.
Also works as a mouse / cursor
$155
http://www.inclusive tlc.com/Products/Vie wProduct.aspx?psid= 286&gpid=25
Switch Click USB -­‐ Enhanced
Ablenet / TASH
USB
1
No software needed. USB switch that simulates a left mouse click. Plugs in directly to the computers so no interface needed. Can be set to:
  • Left Click
  • Right Click
  • Space
  • Enter
  • Tab
    or an Arrow key: Up, Down, Left and Right
$139
http://www.ableneti nc.com/Assistive-­‐ Technology/Compute r-­‐Access/Switch-­‐ Click-­‐USB
USB Mini Click
Ablenet / TASH
USB
1
Same as the Switch click but smaller for mounting
$125
http://www.tashinc.c om/catalog/ca_mini_ click.html
HitchTM Computer Switch Interface
Ablenet
USB
5
No software needed -­‐ change the button on the interface to set it for various programs
$89.99
http://webstore.able netinc.com/hitch-­‐ computer-­‐switch-­‐ interface/p/1003410 0/
USB Switch Interface Plus
The QuizWOR KS Company
USB
5
No Softwre needed
NEW! features include:
-­‐A 5th Row Template
-­‐Now providing easy access to:

-­‐Crick's Clicker 5 Software
$99
http://quizworks.co m/usb_switch_interf aceplus.html

-­‐Intellitools Software -­‐Kurzweil Systems
QuizWORKS Wireless Switch Interface
The QuizWOR KS Company
Wireless USB
5
No software needed
$230
http://quizworks.co m/wireless_switch_i nterface.html
Swifty
Origin Instrumen ts
Stereo jack (single switches need cable kit)
Also works wirelessly if used with Beam
1 or 2 with stereo adapter
No software needed. A two switch USB interface that emulates, mouse, joystick and keyboard functions which are set by dip switches.
$79.95
http://orin.com/acce ss/swifty/index.htm
Swifty and Beam
Origin Instrumen ts
3?
The Super-­‐ Switch
RJ Cooper
USB
3
Software optional. It defaults to function as a mouse click on any computer, through the cordless USB receiver. 3 switch inputs with the Switch Hopper software, you can set the switch inputs to do just about anything that any software wants.
$149.
http://rjcooper.com/ super-­‐ switch/index.html

Switch Hopper
RJ Cooper
USB
3
Software optional. There are 3 switch inputs which simulate standard mouse-­‐clicks with the software; you can configure each button to simulate a mouse click event or keystroke you’d like.
$99
http://rjcooper.com/ switchhopper/index. html
Mini-­‐Switch Port
RJ Cooper
USB
2
Software optional. switch(es) simulate standard mouse-­‐clicks. Installing the accompanying Switchhopper you can configure each button to simulate any mouse click or keystroke
$89
http://rjcooper.com/ mini-­‐ switchport/index.ht mll
Cordless Switch Interface
RJ Cooper
Cordless USB
2
Software optional. switch(es) simulate standard mouse-­‐clicks. Installing the accompanying Switchhopper (win) or Sam-­‐X (Mac) you can configure each button to simulate any mouse click or keystroke
$99.
http://rjcooper.com/ cordless-­‐switch-­‐ interface/index.html
Switcheroo
RJ Cooper
Not listed
3
Switcheroo has three ports to plug switches into a computer simulating mouse clicks. With installation of the accompanying software, you can configure each button to simulate any mouse-­‐ click or keystroke.
$119
http://rjcooper.com/ switcheroo/index.ht ml
Intelliswitch
Madentec
USB/wireless
5
Install the drivers to control up to 5 switches. With over 25 functional switch presets
When used with Discover Pro 2.0.2 software, IntelliSwitch enables individuals with motor
$299
http://www.madente c.com/products/intel liswitch.php

impairments to perform all keyboard and mouse functions by simply pressing a switch
IntelliKeys
Intellitools
USB
2
The Intelliekeys keyboard has two ports which can be used as a switch interface
$395
http://store.cambiu mlearning.com/Progr amPage.aspx?parentI d=074003405&functi onID=009000008&sit e=itc
StealthSwitch At-­‐5 and StealthSwitch AT-­‐10
H-­‐Mod, Inc.
USB
5 or 10
Software driver for programmable functions Mac and Windows
StealthSwit ch AT-­‐5 $79.95
StealthSwit ch AT-­‐10 $99.95
http://www.stealths witchat.com/

iPad:
Blue2TM Bluetooth® Switch
Ablenet
Bluetooth for iPad
2
Only works with switch enabled Apps that have been designed to use it
$149.00
http://webstore.able netinc.com/blue2TM-­‐ bluetooth®-­‐ switch/p/10035006/
it-­‐iClick -­‐ iPad switch Interface
Inclusive TLC
Direct connection to the iPad
6
it-­‐iClick plugs directly into the Apple port and allows up to six Simply Works products to be paired with the iPad to achieve switch access. Apps must be specifically written for switch access. Must be used with inclusive TLC wireless switches or other simply works products
$165 plus 2 switches: $335 for 2 $245 for 1
NOT YET AVAILABLE
http://www.inclusive tlc.com/Products/Vie wProduct.aspx?psid= 358&gpid=353
Bluetooth Switch Interface
RJ Cooper
Bluetooth
2
Only works with switch enabled Apps that have been designed to use it
$99
http://rjcooper.com/ bluetooth-­‐switch-­‐ interface/index.html
The Bluetooth Super-­‐Switch
RJ Cooper
BlueTooth
2
Only works with switch enabled Apps that have been designed to use it
$149
http://rjcooper.com/ bluetooth-­‐super-­‐ switch/index.html
Select-­‐5 Device Controller
RJ Cooper
RJ adapted controls connected to iPod, TV remote
5
Works with other RJ Cooper remote components
$99 plus iPod Remote..... $79
http://rjcooper.com/ select-­‐5/index.html
Scan-­‐5 Device Controller
RJ Cooper
RJ adapted controls connected to iPod, TV remote
2
Works with other RJ Cooper remote components
$199 plus iPod Remote..... $79
http://rjcooper.com/ scan-­‐5/index.html
.
Linda J. Burkhart linda@Lindaburkhart.com http://www.Lburkhart.com and Darlene Brodbeck dbrodbeck@aces.org 

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