Team-Switch can be used to encourage two or more users to co-operate and work together on a task to make something happen.

With one unit, two input switches are connected into the sockets on either side of the box. A connecting lead is plugged into the socket on the front panel and the other end into the input socket on the toy or other application e.g. a train set.

Both Users need to press their own switch and hold it pressed to succeed and activate the toy, light or any attached device.

Two bright blue LED gives visual feedback to the Users (and supervisor) when each switch is pressed and held but only when both LEDs are on together will the Users be rewarded by turning on the attached device.

The Team-Switch can be daisy-chained together, when desired, so that the more students can practise their skills of co-operation and teamwork.

Three Team-Switches connected together would require four students to press and hold their own switch before the attached device activated.

Click here to jump to the switch section of the product catalogue.

LIP Switch

We recently built a new assistive technology switch device we’ve called the LIP switch that will help young children or students to develop their switch skills.

The tutor connects a standard switch into one of the sockets on the front of the LIP switch. Each socket works on a 20, 30 or 40 seconds training interval. The device that is being switched is connected to the LIP switch through the output socket on the side. A second lead is connected to a communication device such as a BIGmack or 4Talk4 onto which a prompt such as has been recorded such as “turn the light on”.

Let’s say the tutor has selected the 20 second training interval and a light is connected to the LIP switch.

When the student presses the switch the light will flash. Since the exercise is all about encouraging the student to repeat the excercise the LIP switch will send a trigger signal to the BIGmack to play its recorded prompt i.e. “turn the light on” if the student has not repeated the exercise after 20 seconds. The prompt is repeated after 20 seconds until the student turns the light on.

Tony Jones at TalkSense (see our Links page) was the inspiration for the LIP switch and it is only one of a series of new assistive technology Dream-Switches available from Excitim and a number of approved distribution partners.

Take a look at the set-up shown here to see how it could be used in your switch training exercises and get in touch if you'd like to try it with your students.

Sustained Pressure Switch-Aid

This question was asked by an Occupational Therapist at a recent Communications Matters workshop.

"How do you overcome the problem of a 'casual' or 'unintended' switch press by the user from activating the device it's connected to?"

That question led us to design the "Sustained Pressure Switch" and this is how it helps solve the special problem the OT was asking about.

Three simple steps:

1. Plug the user's normal switch into one of the three sockets on the front of the SPS.
2. Use the cable (supplied) to connect from the SPS "output" socket to the adapted device e.g. a switch adapted toy.
3. With the SPS connected, the user needs to maintain a "sustained" pressure on the switch for 1, 2 or 3 seconds before the adapted device will work.

Any casual or unintended touches are blocked by the Sustained Pressure Switch.

Nadine Farris at Quality Enabling Devices captured the question, relayed it to us and we built it. This page outlines a series of new assistive technology Dream-Switches available from Excitim and a number of approved distribution partners.

Anti-Tremor Switch-Aid

This Anti-Tremor Switch is designed to help individuals overcome switching problems caused by an involuntary tremor. It works by effectively stopping repeat switch presses over a timed period of 2, 6 or 10 seconds getting through. We programmed these times into the switch software to make it work for the largest number of users.

Set-up is very simple. All that's necessary is to connect the Anti-Tremor device between the user's normal switch (e.g. button, squeeze, blow, lever type etc.) and the equipment being switched, for example one of our switch adapted Dream-Toys or bubble machines.

Three simple steps:

1. Plug the user's normal switch into one of the sockets on the front of the Anti-Tremor device.
2. Use the cable (supplied) to connect from the Anti-Tremor Switch "output" to the "input" on the device being switched e.g. computer interface. (Plugging in the cable also turns the device on. When finished disconnect the cable to conserve battery life.)
3. Start playing or working.

At step (1) the user can select a filter that gives 2, 6 or 10 seconds delay before the next switch-click is "let through". Selecting the best delay filter will depend on the user's personal circumstances.

Jump straight to the product section by clicking on the Anti-Tremor Switch Filter link or the image.

Wireless Toy Controller

Wireless switches eliminate the need for the user to be linked by a cable to the toy or application being controlled. Switching wirelessly means the user need not be stationary or restricted to a table or desk and opens up the possibility for the user to play over over larger distances and within bigger rooms.

Wireless switches eliminate the need for the user to be linked by a cable to the toy or application being controlled. Switching wirelessly means the user need not be stationary or restricted to a table or desk and opens up the possibility for the user to play over over larger distances and within bigger rooms.

Our first switch adapted toys to use the wireless technology are the Tolo First Friends farm tractor, construction and safari vehicles.

The Tolo toys work in a "timed" switch mode. Pressing the switch sets the toy going and lets the child watch and study the sounds, lights and actions built into the toys without the need to keep pressing the switch.

Infrared Switches

Look in every home and the chances are you will find a number of infrared switches. They are used to switch on the TV, dim the lights, power-up your MP3 player, close curtains, raise your bed and many other applications. Infrared is well proven technology.

With this in mind we've developed an infrared switch suitable for toys. Our first switch adapted, infrared controllable toy is a train set suitable for young children.

Simply connect and press any standard 3.5mm switch to the control box to make the train chug along. The control box works in "momentary", sometimes called "direct" switch mode which is ideal for helping children to develop switch skills as the train runs whilst the switch is pressed and stops when the switch is released.

Jump straight to the product section by clicking on the train set link or the image.

We will be adding more switch adapted toys equipped with infrared switches in the future.