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Adapting a Battery-Operated Toy
What You Need:
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Any single switch
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A battery-adapter for AA, C or D batteries (see Resources
for vendors)
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Any battery-operated toy or device with AA, C, or D
batteries. This adaptation works best with toys/devices
with an on/off switch.
How to Adapt:
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Insert the copper disk at the end of the battery-adapter
between the battery and battery contact; or place it
between 2 batteries.
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Turn the toy on - it should not work, since you have
interrupted its connection to the battery.
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Plug the switch into the jack at the other end of the
battery-adapter. Activate the switch to operate the
toy. If it does not work, adjust the copper disk.
What To Do
When starting switch use with the child,
put the switch as close to the adapted toy as possible.
Even attaching the switch with tape or Velcro onto the toy/device
will make the connection between the switch activation and
the toy more direct. As the child begins to demonstrate
his understanding of switch use, move the switch further
away from the toy.
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Try adapting commercial reactive toys, such as Humbug
or Mr. Potato Head, with a battery adapter so that the
child can control the off and on vibrating response.
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In addition to battery-operated toys, games such as
Light Brite and Spin Art are easily adapted for switch
use (see Switch Activities section).
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Devices such as flashlights and tape recorders can
be adapted in the same way.
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