A switch interface is used to connect switches to a computer. A switch is a simple method to access a computer. Students with motor, vision, attention, behavior or learning difficulties, as well as preschoolers, can use one or multiple switches to interact with computer programs and on-line activities. Switch enabled software is specially designed to include switch access for individuals with special needs. Programs that function with a mouse click or a single key, typically spacebar or enter, work with a switch. The switch interface samples shown here connect to a USB port on the computer.
How is a switch connected to a computer?
A switch interface is required
The switch interface connects to the computer, most commonly through a USB port
Switches are connected to the switch interface ports with the 1/8″ (3.5 mm) jacks on the switches
What functions can a switch emulate?
Dependent on the model, a switch interface accommodates one to five switches
Mouse functions
Mouse click, right-click
Other mouse functions, left-click, drag
Keyboard keys
Enter, Spacebar, Tab
Arrow keys to move the mouse up, down, right or left
Function keys, for example, F3, F5, F7
Does a switch interface need software to work?
Dependent on the model
No software required
Plug and play USB connection to the computer
Switch function is determined by the jack (on the switch interface) that the switch is plugged into
Software required
Drivers required for the computer to find and operate the switch interface
Application may be used to determine the switch function
Do the mouse and keyboard work when a switch is connected?
Yes, both work normally when a switch interface is connected to the computer
Why would more than one switch be connected?
Two switch access, sometimes called step scanning
Switch 1 moves the cursor through fields or hot spots
Switch 2 clicks on the target
To access multiple mouse functions or keys
Partner activities
Each student has a switch
Students take turns
What types of switch interfaces are there?
USB switch interfaces have jacks to connect one to five switches
Integrated models are a switch with jacks to connect one to three switches, sample shown here
Wireless, a receiver is connected to the computer, switches are connected to jacks in a transmitter
What software works with a switch?
Switch enabled software is specially designed to work with one or multiple switches
Designed to work with a single key, such as Spacebar or Enter
Scanning software that moves through targets
Programs that work with a mouse click
Programs that work with a single key
Check programs for keyboard commands (also called shortcuts) to provide an alternative to pointing and clicking the mouse
A switch interface is used to connect switches to a computer. A switch is a simple method to access a computer. Students with motor, vision, attention, behavior or learning difficulties, as well as preschoolers, can use one or multiple switches to interact with computer programs and on-line activities. Switch enabled software is specially designed to include switch access for individuals with special needs. Programs that function with a mouse click or a single key, typically spacebar or enter, work with a switch. The switch interface samples shown here connect to a USB port on the computer.
