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Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

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Chapter 2 – Computer Access<br />

Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Switch Types<br />

Category Advantages Disadvantages<br />

Pressure • Large variety available<br />

covering most characteristics<br />

• Some also serve as a single<br />

message communication device<br />

• Inexpensive to make yourself<br />

• Require some strength<br />

Lever • Ability to pass through – • Less durable<br />

student movement not stopped • Some safety concerns –<br />

by the switch<br />

projects<br />

• Very little strength required • More travel required than most<br />

Muscle sensor • Minimal muscle movement • Very little feedback, if any<br />

required<br />

• Less reliable<br />

• Stays with student – mounted<br />

on body<br />

• Might be invasive<br />

Sound • No strength required<br />

• Very little feedback, if any<br />

• Alternative to motor action • Disruptive to others<br />

• Mounting is not an issue • Ability to make sound may be<br />

inconsistent from day to day<br />

Pneumatic • Sip & puff types do not require • Requires more strength (except<br />

motor movement<br />

sip & puff types)<br />

• Less durable – more<br />

malfunctions<br />

Tilt • Can be used to rein<strong>for</strong>ce good<br />

body positions<br />

• Stays with student – mounted<br />

on body<br />

• Very little feedback, if any<br />

Pull • Minimal strength required • May require more travel than<br />

• Alternative to pushing action most<br />

Photosensitive • No strength required • Could be difficult to learn<br />

• Very little feedback, if any<br />

• Requires spatial concepts<br />

<strong>Assessing</strong> Students’ <strong>Needs</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Assistive</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> (2004) 73

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