Switches for disabled children - independent help and advice

Switches

These switches, adaptors and switch accessories enable children with limited movements to operate toys, communication equipment, page turners and other electronic equipment.

They can be operated by many parts of the body including the hand, foot, head, chin, knee or by sucking and puffing on a mouthpiece. They can be mounted on flexible bracket stands for use in a wheelchair, bed or chair. It is recommended that your child's occupational therapist is involved in deciding on the positioning of the switch and type of switch used.

To discuss sponsorship please contact DLF's Marketing Department.

Help and advice

Switches can be used to encourage children to learn new movements or purposefully use residual movements, e.g. hand and finger controls - squeeze, pinch, push - or head or arm movement.

Using a switch to operate a toy can be a useful way for a child with a physical disability to develop the skills needed for operating a powered wheelchair, environmental control systems, computers and other sophisticated electronic equipment.

Before buying any of this equipment, ensure that your child can operate the switch easily and that it is compatible with the product you wish to use it with.

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