What are the differences between switches for driving and those for other devices?
Answer
There are many differerent types of switches for driving and access to other devices. The same switch can be used for both driving or other device access. The difference lies in how the switches are set up.
When setting up a switch for driving, you need to first consult with the wheelchair vendor to make sure the recommended wheelchair has the necessary electronic components to support switch access. The switch also needs to be set up for sustained pressure to maintain movement of the wheelchair. Once the pressure is released, the movement stops.
When using a switch to access an augmentative communication device, computer or EADL device, the switch is pressed once to stop the scanning mode on the chosen item. There are different parameters that can be adjusted within the device such as the speed, patterns of scanning and other techniques to accommodate to the client's skill level. A Speech-language Pathologist can help with augmentative communication device set up.
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA certified ATP and SMS.
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