What is Indirect Access to AAC?
Indirect access means the user is presented with a series of messages, and they affirm when they hear the message they want to communicate. When a user is using switches, they will hit the switches to sequence through messages on the device until they choose the one they want to say. This is called switch scanning. Users can be a 1 switch scanner or a 2 switch scanner.
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/9/9/29993091/published/screen-shot-2023-10-07-at-11-08-05-am.png?1696702144)
Pictured: Jelly Bean switch produced by Ablenet
Switches are buttons that come in a variety of sizes that connect to devices (AAC, toys, interfaces, etc.). This allows the user, who lacks fine motor control and possibly vision, to access the device.
Switches are buttons that come in a variety of sizes that connect to devices (AAC, toys, interfaces, etc.). This allows the user, who lacks fine motor control and possibly vision, to access the device.
A switch site is the area of the body where a user can create a voluntary movement and repeat it. Switch sites can be anywhere!
How to find a switch site: 1. Identify a movement that is voluntary and repeatable 2. Match the movement with the appropriate switch 3. Teach switch access with a motivating activity |
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Switches and Dedicated Devices
With dedicated devices, like PRC-Saltillo and Tobii Dynavox, the switches are plugged directly into the device. The settings are built into the device and can be altered to best fit the AAC user. Some language vocabularies are built specifically for scanning, while others can be made accessible with simple changes to the access settings. Visit their websites to explore more.
Switches and the iPad
The iPad can be accessible via switches but cannot be plugged in. Therefore, an interface is required to allow the switches to access the content of the iPad. The APPlicator by Pretorian is one interface, and will specifically be shown in the following setup videos.
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This video will help you get started with setting up the iPad to be switch accessible using a bluetooth interface and a switch or two. You will learn about switch control mode and how to use switches with AAC apps that have switch access embedded into the application. |
There are many bluetooth interfaces that can be used to set up switch access to the iPad. The APPlicator by Pretorian and sold by Inclusive TLC allow you the ability to single shot. This means no matter how the the switch is pushed/depressed, it only sends one switch activation signal. The user has to come off the switch and press it down again to send another activation signal. This works well for those who, once they touch/activate the switch, need time to come off the switch. |
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An excellent way to refine switch access without the demands of language is to work with motivating, fun activities. Two examples on the iPad are iTunes music and YouTube videos. |
Parent Assisted Scanning with No Tech/Mid Tech
If you have one switch that you can record one thing...try this! Record "That's the one" on the switch and place the switch where a child can voluntarily and independently depress the switch. (If you aren't sure where to put it, place at head near the temple.)
Next, you are going to tell the child they need to make a choice. For example, "Do you want bubbles, a book or a Moana video? Hit the switch when you hear the one you want." Then say the list again, pausing for 3-5 seconds between each one. "Bubbles (1-2-3-4-5), Book (1-2-3-4-5), Moana Video (1-2-3-4-5)." Repeat the list at least 3 times before you change the list. You are expecting that the will hit the switch after they hear their choice, indicating, "That's the one!" You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to give a child choice and show them the power of communication! |