Switches, Switches Everywhere:
Give Your Child the Power to Activate Toys

Have you ever been on an elevator with a young child who wanted to press the buttons on the control panel? Sometimes, kids get so excited about button-pushing that they light up the entire panel and you find yourself stopping on every floor. (Oh well…you have to admire their enthusiasm for making things go!)

Children love to operate buttons and switches because it makes them feel in control. They quickly learn the reality of cause and effect: if I push this button or flip this switch, something is going to happen. And the concept of cause and effect is one of the fundamental steps to learning independence.

Unfortunately, not every child is able to push buttons or flip switches with ease or even with his or her fingers; and that's why there's an array of ability switches on the market to accommodate just about every button-pusher out there.

While they may not operate elevators, these switches certainly work with the adapted toys and activities that dazzle and delight children with special needs. Switches are available for people of all ability levels – those who squeeze, blow, swipe and more; and they empower children and adults to use many things, from toys to household items, with ease and independence.

Why buy an ability switch for your child?
Like the little boy or girl pushing buttons on the elevator, your child will benefit from the feeling of accomplishment he receives when operating his own adapted switch and making his toy go. Your child might need a switch if his fine motor skills don't permit him to manipulate small on/off buttons. Using his switch, he gains a sense of control and independence. It's a "Look what I can do!" moment every time he operates the switch, triggering the lights, sounds or movements of his toy.

If your child is playing with the adapted Kitty Cat, for instance, he'll find that he controls the meow, forward and backward walking motions, and tail wag of this cuddly critter through the use of his switch. And that can be a very empowering experience for a child who's used to getting help with many of his daily activities, including play.

How do I find the right switch?
There are two main factors to consider when purchasing a switch: ability and motivation. If your child cannot operate a switch with the touch of his hands or fingers; can he tilt his head, blow with his mouth, tap his foot, swipe his hand, perform a light touch with any part of his body, roll a ball or squeeze his fists? Similarly, you need to consider what things interest your child: what's his favorite color and what kinds of touchy feely surfaces does he find pleasing?

Once you identify your child's level of ability and his motivation, finding the perfect switch is easy.

What kinds of ability switches are out there?
There are two basic types of switches: latch switches, which turn toys on with an action and then require the same action to turn toys off, and switches that require the switch to be continually activated to keep toys operating, meaning that as long as they are engaged, they will make things go. This second type of switch works really well for children who can't focus on or understand long-term cause and effect relays.

Adapted latch switches are not as common as their alternative, but they do come in at least three excellent kinds. The Lollipop Latch Switch is available in hard and soft models to accommodate your child's level of tactile comfort. They feature a lightly textured surface and non-skid bottom. Additionally, the bottom half of the switch surface can be pressed and held for controlled action, making these switches highly versatile. The Latch Plate Switch is brightly colored and responds to very light touch. It has a timer that can be set from one to 120 seconds.

If you're in the market for ongoing action switches, you have a great range of ability and motivation choices. Lollipop switches are common and top selling because they are very easy to understand, since they resemble simple, large, round buttons. Whether your child experiences visual or tactile challenges, there's bound to be a lollipop switch that can accommodate his level of ability or motivation. They come in varying sizes, colors and surfaces. Plus, they're a cost-effective choice for parents on a strict budget. In most cases, lollipop switches can be activated by touch from hands, feet, elbows or other parts of the body that can apply light to moderate pressure. Additionally, these switches provide a gentle click sound as feedback.

One of the most innovative switches available is the Gumdrop Switch, which can be attached to your child's body with Velcro®. This lightweight device can be operated by any moving body part making it a great choice for children who can't make deliberate pushing or swiping motions with their fingers.

For children who are comfortable only with the very lightest touch sensations or who are unable to sustain hand or wrist motion, try implementing a super-sensitive switch. The Giant Super-Sensitive Switch responds to the lightest touch (40 grams – that's the same as just two small eggs) and attracts the eye in bright yellow. For greater sensory feedback such as lights, vibration and music, try the Mirror Plate Switch with Beads and Lights. This switch suctions to surfaces and can be used by itself as a toy, or as a sensitive switch to operate other toys.

Speaking of switches that are also toys, check out the Koosh™ Switch with its brightly colored, fun Koosh ball that can be stroked for tactile pleasure. The Gooshy Switch features a squeezable, sparkly pillow for touchy feely fun. The Stacking Rings switch offers the challenge of stacking rings by size, from big to small, with a musical reward when completed correctly. And the Music Box Puzzle provides one minute of music every time your child puts its three bright blocks into their corresponding slots.

The Wobble Switch is perfect for children who can master a swiping motion. The Grip/Puff Switch works with the slightest grasping pressure but can also be used without the grip as a puff switch requiring small bursts of air to trigger the desired effect. The Blow Switch - a latch switch by nature - looks and works just like a traditional light switch you'll find around the house, but it also operates with a burst of air. Additionally, this switch is perfect for turning on and off lights because it glows continuously and is easy to find in the dark.

Another alternative is the Head Tilt Switch, a lightweight device that attaches to a headband. The slightest tilt or shift of the head operates this switch and makes toys go. Similarly, the Gooseneck Soft Switch requires only slight pressure onto a soft, foam pillow to trigger. Use the cheek, forehead, upper arm, leg, finger, shoulder, elbow or chin to activate this switch.

The wide array of available adapted toys and activities means that fun and relaxation can be your child's to control. Choose from Switch-Adapted Stuffed Animals, Adapted Animal Massagers, the Adapted Mini Bubble Blower, Adapted Ramp Riders, Adapted Bump 'N Go Police Car and other vehicles, Adapted VibraFlex Massager, Adapted Swirl Master and more. As their names suggest, these toys and activities are "adapted" for use with ability switches by children with many different special needs.

While most ability switches work with adapted toys and activities only, the Powerlink 4® and Adapted Wireless Appliance Control allow you to make household items, such as electric toys or appliances, switch friendly. And it works as a latch switch, a timed switch or a direct switch requiring continuous pressure.

Once you access your child's ability and motivation, you can find the perfect ability switch that will give him or her the control to operate toys and activities independently; and that can open up a lot of emotional doors. Build confidence and foster independence with ability switches and adapted toys. It's as simple as clicking your mouse button right HERE.

Need more information? YellowBrickRoadShop.com can provide you with the support you need to easily and successfully choose the right ability switch for your child. Call us at 800.793.7900 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.