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SWITCH TOY USE
Switch Toy Movement
After identifying the child’s toy preferences by observing
his reactions to toys with different sensory characteristics,
look again at the toys to select those whose movements encourage
appropriate “manipulation” by the child and
which promote interactive play. Toys should be selected
based on their movement patterns, the child’s visual
ability and anticipatory skills. The child must be able
to control the movement of the toy in order to begin to
use it within daily activities. Some of the toys can be
purchased which are permanently adapted for switch use.
Others are commercially available and can be used with a
battery adapter. Adapted toys stay on as long as the switch
is pressed, strengthening the relation between the child's
interaction and the reaction of the toy.
Stationary toys are a good
place to begin as they are active yet stay in one place.
When they are turned on, they may make musical or other
sounds, light up, vibrate or even blow bubbles! The important
characteristic is that they do not move. The child can observe
the reaction of the toy in a stationary placement.
Tape
Recorder (Fisher Price, Sony, Playskool)
Fan (Enabling Devices)
Drummer Bear (Kapable Kids)
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Dome
Alone (Enabling Devices)
Bubble Bear (Jesana Ltd.)
Glitter Roll Music Box Switch (Enabling Devices) |
Horizontal toys move in a
single direction. Look for toys that move a short distance
and then stop while music is played (or the head goes up
and down, etc.) and then move again. Visual motor skills
(focus, tracking, etc.) are encouraged. In this way the
child is able to watch the result of his switch activation
in a calm and controlled activity. By turning the toy towards
the child as it moves, the child is immediately involved
and his participation is guaranteed!
Pudgy
Pigglet (Jesana Ltd.)
Barking Dog (Therapeutic Toys)
Mushy Movers (PlaySchool)
Tuneyville Choo-Choo Train (Enabling Devices)
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Muppet
Babies Showboat (Toys-R-Us)
Baby Brontosaurus (Enabling Dev.)
Pony Pal (Jesana Ltd.) |
Vertical toys are those
whose action resulting in going up and down, vertically.
For vertical toys the visual tracking and head and neck
movement required are different than those required for
horizontal toys.
Fireman
Ladder Climber (Enabling Devices)
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Elefun
(Parker Bros.) |
3-Dimensional or Circular
moving toys incorporate more demanding visual motor skills.
These toys incorporate skills used with both horizontal
and vertical toys.
Penguins
Roller Coaster (commercial or Enabling Devices)
Sesame Street Roller Coaster (commercial)
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Circus
Seals (Enabling Devices)
Brave Bikers (Enabling Devices)
Machine Ball Factory (SwitchKids, commercial) |
Bump and Go toys are the
most readily available category of switch toys. However,
they are the hardest for children to anticipate their movement
and to direct them. Often children enjoy them for their
high activity level, but tire of them quickly as they are
difficult to “control”. By containing the toy
within a specific area, the child is able to watch and better
control the “bump and go” movements.
Musical
Circus Truck (Enabling Devices)
Stop-N-Go (Enabling Devices)
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Boom
Boom Bunny (Enabling Devices)
Fire Engine (Enabling Devices)
Walking Robot (Enabling Devices) |
In summary, when using switches and toys
there are several things to consider. The child should have
easy access to the switch and be able to observe the resulting
movement of the toy. The switch and/or toy can be stabilized
for better control. The closer the switch is placed to the
toy the more concrete the association is. As a child develops,
the switches can be placed farther from the source of movement.
Labeling the switches with pictures, symbols, etc. can promote
early choice making.
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