Charting the Cs logo. A black and blue text. Charting the Cs Conference 2025: To Literacy and Beyond Cooperation Communication Collaboration From Creation to Implementation Part 1: Using AT Switches in the Classroom Amanda Kreuger: Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher and Assistive Technology Consultant Bryan Winkels: Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology Consultant Connie Sim: Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher and Assistive Technology Consultant Morty Aldous: Low incidence Coordinator: Physical Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Other Health Disabilities and Assistive Technology Region 5 & 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice (AT CoP): Our Journey 2020-2021 •Small work group adapting toy from ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) 2021 Presentation. •Presented to our region and did a Make and Take of a Minion. oPre-purchased toy. oIncluded making tool kits for adapting toys for each district/cooperative. •A lot of real time troubleshooting, sharing of ideas and learning what we still need to know! Picture of a one eyed minion with goggle over eye. Dancing and musical toy that was switch adapted. Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members adapting toys to make them switch enabled. Region 5 & 7 AT CoP: Our Journey 2022-2023 1.Set Regional Goal to increase knowledge of adapting toys within our own AT CoP group. 2.Regional Make-n-Take session 3.Made battery interrupters, switches, and adapted a toy that we pre - ordered. 4.Immersive Learning Format. No Death by Powerpoint ! Event was a huge success! Region 5 & 7 AT CoP: Our Journey 2023-2024 1.Set AT CoP Goal to “Build Capacity” in adapting toys within our region. 2.“Invite a Friend” Make-n-Take 3.Made battery interrupters, switches, dice roller, and paint spinners. Could also bring additional toys. 4.Feedback from session was very positive! What is next?! Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members adapting toys to make them switch enabled. Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members adapting toys to make them switch enabled. Picture of the components needed to make an adaptive switch and battery interrupter. Picture of supplies and components needed to make toys switch enabled. Region 5 & 7 AT CoP: Our Journey 2024-2025 1.Goal to continue to “Build Capacity”. 2.Make - n - Take: AT CoP, “Friend” from last year, Invite a “New Friend”. 3.Similar structure to past years, butbring your own toys. 4.This session was a great learning experience for everyone. Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members adapting toys to make them switch enabled. Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members adapting toys to make them switch enabled. Picture of Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice members working on adapting battery operated toy cars for students to use in school. Picture of finished product of switch enabled, battery operated toy car from the Region 5 7 Assistive Technology Community of Practice training last fall. Inclusion: Everyone can Participate 1.Equity and Access 2.Diversity 3.Collaboration 4.Social Development 5.Academic Achievement 6.Legal Framework Graphic of children holding hands with caption "learning knows no bounds". Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Planning Ahead •Set Clear Learning Goals •Provide Multiple Means of Engagement •Offer Multiple Means of Representation •Allow Multiple Means of Action and Expression •Create a Flexible Learning Environment •Plan for Assessment and Feedback •Reflect and Adjust Graphic of two children assembling model airplanes. The girl on the left is carefully following written instructions, with a thought bubble showing detailed steps. The boy on the right is skipping instructions, with a thought bubble showing an image of a completed airplane. Their workspaces are scattered with parts and tools, emphasizing their different approaches to the task. Switches Why consider using switches? •All people use switches daily such as remote control for the television, a light switch, a game controller, water dispenser for refrigerator, or a garage door opener. •Adaptive switches allow access to electronic and other switch adapted battery- operated devices in the environment for people with disabilities. Types of Adapted Switches Many kinds and categories of switches •Hand, finger, body switches: small movements needed to activate •Sound activated switches •Reward switches: visual, auditory, sensory. •Movement or Sound activated switches •Other: sip-puff, grab-pull, saucer, plate, pillow, and more Switch Connecting Tools: 1.Switchbox or Power link 2.Bluetooth (wireless switch) 3.Hitch (USB computer interface) 4.Hook (I - device wired switch interface)2 Picture of a Power link switch interface Picture of a Bluetooth wireless two button switch Picture of a Hitch computer switch interface Picture of a Hook iDevice switch interface Switch Progressions Roadmap that outlines the stages of learning how to use a switch to access environments, communication, learning, and leisure. •Helps teachers set learner goals •Helps plan instruction through switch skill hierarchy •Helps track learner progress •Multiple Switch Progression Creators and Roadmaps available Free Roadmap available at website: www.Helpkidslearn.com/resources Switch Progressions - Brief Overview •Experiential Learning: Look, listen, respond •Cause and effect: Make something happen oPress and hold oPress and let go oPress it again oTurn on and off •Multiple switch play •Sequential learning, attention-timing, targeting •Visual and/or auditory scanning, independent choice making Literacy Activities with Switches 1: 1.Give spelling tests to peers using a Step by Steprecordable switch/tape recorder with switchbox. 2.Read aloud, student uses recordable switch to say “turn the page”. 3.Run Language Master with a Switch with a peer loading cards. 4.Move through pages of an adapted book being read aloud on a computer. 5.Rhyme: two recordable switches (yes or no) the student hits yes or no in response to words rhyming. A picture of a Language Master reading practice tool with card showing letter s and a snake. Literacy Activities with Switches 2: Literacy dice activities kids with disabilities can include rolling dice with letters, sight words, or picture prompts to build vocabulary, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. Remember to incorporate adaptations like: •large print, •tactile elements, •and assistive technology for accessibility like adapted dice roller. Photo of a switch enabled dice roller. Literacy Activities Using the Dice Roller Vocabulary Builder (any age, great for a reading center activity) Needed: •One 6-sided number or dot dice and roller •List of Vocabulary words •Direction sheet template How it works: •Roll dice •Match the dice number to activity with vocabulary words •Complete the task •Repeat with next vocabulary word Image of task sheet for vocabulary builder game with dice roller. 1 dot: Define the word 2 dots: Use the wors in a sentence 3 dots: Write or share an antonym for the word 4 dots: Write or share a synonym for the word 5 dots: Draw a picture of the word More Literacy Activities with Switches and Dice Roller 1: 1.Roll an Oral Reading Emotion: (oral fluency with expressive voice) can include sad, excited, angry, surprised, sad, bored. (Characters as well) 2.5w Roll: Read a short story or passage from book roll the dice to identify who, what happened, when, where and why. (partner, basic comprehension activity, write or ay answers) Picture of biscon emotion, direction and weather dice available from Amazon More Literacy Activities with Switches and Dice Roller 2: 1.Roll a story (story starter for writing) 2.Roll a word (build and read words to read) 3.Roll a Reading partner: fold a paper into 6 sections. Put a number 1 - 6 on each section. Kids go find partners for each partners' write own name on partners same number. Roll the dice and kids pair up to read together, and change partners every 5 mins. 4.Teachers Pay Teachers search free reading dice games. Picture of Roll a word dice game available at Orientaltrading Math Activities with a Dice Roller 1 Dice Addition Instructions: •Students roll dice and add numbers together •Keep a running total or write down each sum. •Roll 3 or more dice, place in order, find greatest or smallest, etc. Dice Multiplication Instructions: •Similar to addition, but student multiply. •Create a multiplication table. •roll 3 or more and find the least or greatest product. Dice Race Instructions: •Create a simple game board with numbered spaces •Students take turns rolling dice and moving forward the total number •The first to reach the end wins Dice Fractions Instructions: •Roll two dice to create a fraction •Students can simplify, convert to a decimal, use manipulative to represent, find the largest fraction, smallest fraction over a number ofrolls Dice Patterns Instructions: •Roll dice and create a pattern based on the numbers rolled (odd/even, increasing/decreasing. •Could also use shape dice or color dice for patterns •Create a visual representation of dice rolls Dice Probability Instructions: •Using 1 dice, students the probability of rolling a specific number, color, etc. •Roll several times, students record outcomes and data to find experimental probability Dice Word Problems Instructions: •Students roll dice to create numbers for a word problem •For example, if a 4 and 6 are rolled they could create problem of I have 4 apples and buy 6 more, how many apples do I have in total? Dice Geometry Instructions: •Students roll a die to determine lengths of sides of geometric shapes and find perimeter. •Roll a die and choose the correct geometric shape with that many sides from a visual representation. Social Skills Activities Using the Dice Roller Promotes Turn-Taking, Communication, and Collaboration How it works •Press the switch to roll the dice •Match the dice number to a task or choice •Complete the task or discuss the outcome •Examples: Turn - Taking Games, Conversation Starters, Emotional Exploration, Build Group Art Project Image of an adapted dice roller, a device designed for accessibility. It features a clear, enclosed chamber with a dice inside. A button switch allows the user to roll the die without manual dexterity, making it usable for individuals with physical disabilities. The die is visible through the clear cover for easy reading. Social Skills Switch Activities Switch - activated devices provides accessible and engaging ways to develop social skills. These tools engage participation in activities that promote interaction, turn - taking, and teamwork. •All-Turn-It Spinner •AAC Buttons (Big Mack, Step by Step) •Cause - and - Effect Activities Image of an All-Turn-It Spinner, an assistive technology device for inclusive games and activities. The spinner features a large, brightly colored wheel with interchangeable overlays for different games. It is operated using a switch, making it accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. The device is mounted on a stable base for easy visibility and use. Image of a Big Mack switch, a simple, single-message communication device. It features a large, round button with a bright, colorful surface. When pressed, it activates a pre-recorded message or sound, allowing individuals to express themselves or request assistance with ease. Image of an adapted bubble machine. The machine is connected to a switch, allowing the user to activate it by pressing the switch. Once activated, the machine blows bubbles, providing a fun and engaging sensory experience. The device is stable and easy to operate, encouraging interaction and participation. Image of an adapted baseball thrower, a device designed to launch baseballs with the press of a switch. The thrower is mounted on a stable base and connected to a large, accessible switch. When the switch is activated, the device propels a baseball forward, allowing individuals to participate in baseball activities and practice coordination. Life Skills Activities Using the Dice Roller Builds Independence and decision-making skills through engaging activities How it works •Press the switch to roll the dice •Match the dice number to a task or choice •Complete the task or discuss the outcome •Examples: Chore Selection, Safety Scenarios, Community Outings, Exercise Routine, Hygiene Routine Builder, Meal Planning Image of an adapted dice roller, a device designed for accessibility. It features a clear, enclosed chamber with a dice inside. A button switch allows the user to roll the die without manual dexterity, making it usable for individuals with physical disabilities. The die is visible through the clear cover for easy reading. Life Skills Switch Activities Switch - activated devices empower individuals to practice and master essential life skills. These tools foster independence, participation, and confidence in daily tasks. •Cooking and Kitchen Skills •Cleaning and Household Skills •Personal Care •Recreation Skills •Work-Related Skills •Outdoor Skills Image of a PowerLink device, an assistive technology tool used to control electrical appliances with a switch. The device has a rectangular shape with labeled input ports for switches, an outlet for plugging in appliances, and control buttons to adjust settings like latch, timed, or direct modes. Designed for individuals with physical disabilities to increase independence. This cup allows users to pour liquids, sand, or flour into any container with the press of a switch. When activated, it smoothly dispenses the contents, providing a fun, interactive experience. The cup features an ergonomic design with easy-to-use controls, enabling individuals with limited mobility or coordination to engage in activities that require pouring with greater independence. Image of an adapted bottle sprayer. The bottle is equipped with a switch that, when pressed, activates the spray mechanism. This allows the user to spray water or cleaning solution with ease, promoting independence in tasks like watering plants or cleaning surfaces." The scissors are mounted on a stable base and connected to a switch. When the switch is pressed, the scissors automatically open and close, allowing the user to cut paper or materials independently without manual dexterity. Key Takeaways & Questions: Building Capacity: •Empowering educators to use switches in diverse ways •Enhancing knowledge of AT tools and strategies for inclusion Inclusive Practices: •Utilizing switches to engage students of all abilities •Promoting active participation in classroom activities Questions and Discussion: From Creation to Implementation Part 2: Making AT Switches for the Classroom (Make and Take) Amanda Kreuger: Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher and Assistive Technology Consultant Bryan Winkels: Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology Consultant Connie Sim: Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher and Assistive Technology Consultant Morty Aldous: Physical and Health Disabilities and Assistive Technology Consultant Charting the Cs logo. A black and blue text Toy Adapting: Types of Toys 3 general types of toys: •On/Off Switch only •Switch activated toy with or without and on/off switch •Switch activated toy with switch directly on circuit board. Picture of switch enabled toys Picture of table full of toys to switch enable. On/Off Switch Only 1.Going to use a battery interrupter 2.Could also solder a battery interrupter directly to toy. Diagram of how a battery interrupter is used to disrupt the power to make a toy switch enabled. Diagram of how a female jack plug could be used to disrupt the power to make a toy switch enabled. Alternative option instead of using a battery interrupter. Toy Adapting: Battery Interrupters This is used to interrupt the current flow between the toy and the adaptive switch. This is the easiest adaptation that can be made to a toy. (How to make a battery interrupter video on next slide…) Picture of a battery interrupter to use with an adaptive switch. Toy Adapting: Battery Interrupters -VideoToy Adapting: Battery Interrupters - Video Switch Activated Toy with or without on/off switch Use either “butt connector” or “T type connector” to make toy switch enabled. Picture of a "butt" connecter used to switch enable toys Picture of a toy that has both on/off and activator switch. A "T Type Connector" was used showing how to make this switch enabled. Toy Adapting: Wire Connectors Wire connectors are placed on wires running to the activation switches. This allows to toy to be used with or without an adaptive switch. Picture of wire connectors that can be used to adapt toys to make them switch enabled. Toy Adapting: Automatic Dice Roller Here is a video on how to switch enable an automatic dice roller. (Switch Enabling a Dice Roller video on next slide…) Picture of an automatic dice roller. Toy Adapting: Automatic Dice Roller -Video Toy Adapting: Automatic Dice Roller - Video Switch activated toy with switch directly on circuit board 1.This type of modification requires a bit more skill as you need to be comfortable with soldering. 2.Also need to be careful not to “fry” circuit board when soldering the jack plugs into place. Picture of toy circuit board with "switch" directly on the board. Picture of circuit board with wires soldered directly to the board to make toy switch enabled. Toy Adapting: Soldering on Circuit Boards This is used when the activation switch is located directly on a circuit board. Picture of a circuit board with arrows showing where you would need to solder a 3.5 millimeter female jack plug to make the toy switch enabled. Toy Adapting: Making your own switch Here is a video on how to make your own switches. PDF Instructions on Switch Assembly and 3D Printing (Assembling Your Own Switch video on next slide…) Picture of components needed to make your own switch Toy Adapting: Assembling your own switch – Video Toy Adapting: Assembling your own switch – Video Resources Link to resources - Google Document