Accessible Adaptations

"Switch adapting” is a process where electronic tools and toys can be made more accessible by adding a much larger button or switch to operate them. This supports children and adults with disabilities in participating in meaningful experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible, such as play, cooking, or controlling their environment. Switch adapting is something that anyone can do with a couple of tools and some guidance.

For example, the small "position button" that operates this spin art machine might be inaccessible due to its small size and location on the machine.

Modifying this toy so that you can plug in a larger button/switch (like the green and red buttons in the image below) makes it more accessible.

The "Jelly Bean" switch from AbleNet is one of the most popular and reliable assistive switches commonly used with switch-adapted devices. But I really like this DIY version uploaded to the Makers Making Change website:

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This version is affordable, and highly customizable. Because I often have free or low cost 3D printer access through local makerspaces like the ones found in our public libraries nearby, it's easy to print the pieces needed to make these switches. Here are some I printed when I was learning how to create these switches.

Obtaining a switch, whether it's DIY or purchased from elsewhere, is only one part of switch adapting a toy or tool. Most devices are not designed to work with assistive switches and it takes a little bit of electronics and tinkering know-how to understand how to adapt something to work with an assistive switch. There are lots of great resources out there that show people how to adapt different toys and tools like this site:

Video Library

Switched Adapted Toys

YouTube is also a great resource for these tutorials:

Sometimes, there's not a tutorial for the thing you want adapt. That was the case for this handheld mini massager. While collaborating with a wonderful Occupational Therapist partner in a local school district, I adapted several of these massagers so that they could be used by teachers and students with assistive switches. The massager provides some sensory input that can be used by teachers/students in a variety of activities like incorporating tactile sensations into reading or storytelling.

Here's a tutorial for switch-adapting a handheld mini massager: