| Description |
Many students with severe physical and multiple challenges have difficulties accessing communication devices and computer software. Their ability to even access a single switch can be problematic because of their physical challenges. Very few options are available for a single switch user. Cause and effect software and one message voice-output devices are available for the very beginning user, but there is a huge leap from these to the more complex use of automatic scanning. This limits the student's access to software and communication devices that could offer more appropriate cognitive content.
This presentation will take a detailed look at the process of moving from cause and effect to using two switches with cognitive engagement, and then moving on to either one or two-switch scanning. Two-switch step scanning will be further explored as a means to eliminate the struggle of timed activation and put the child in control of the scanning process. Strategies from "light tech" to "high tech" will be demonstrated through case studies and demonstrations to illustrate strategies and setups for use with play, communication, literacy, and curricular activities.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:
Give practical examples and strategies to increase motivation, active engagement, and participation, based upon how the brain develops and processes information
Enumerate a variety of means for children to indicate choices, and explain how to create co-planned sequenced social scripts
List the factors that influence success or failure with automatic scanning versus two-switch step scanning.
Describe progression for learning to use a single switch, two switches for two functions and then finally two Switch Step Scanning.
Discuss available software that utilizes two-switch step scanning as an access strategy.
Discuss creative strategies and software setups to motivate and teach skills in the areas of play, communication, emergent literacy, and communication utilizing two-switch step scanning.
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