Communication Switch Accessories, Adaptive Switches, Mounting Arms

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is used by those with disabilities and it adapts to meet the requirements of the user by accommodating a specific need. There are many types of assistive/adaptive technology aids, such as battery interrupters, mounting devices like plates, adjustable arms or clamps, switch adapters for stereos or computers, and many are available in kits.

What are Battery Interrupters?

Battery interrupters can be utilized to adapt any radio, toy, or device with an on and off switch so it will work with capability switches. They can also work with many battery sizes, including AA, C, and D. By placing the battery interrupter between the battery and its connection point in the battery compartment, it can easily adapt with many switches.

What are Mounting Devices?

There are many different types of mounting devices to make everyday tasks and needs easier for those with a disability. Mounting plates are helpful for switches, switch devices, communicators, and other mountable assistive technology. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be customized for unique requirements. Mounting plates can connect a joy stick, trigger switch, light switch, pneumatic switch or flex switch to a mounting arm. Some mounting devices use a strong suction to hold it onto a flat surface to secure a switch or other small device in place. This type can be moved frequently and remounted to another surface, making it very portable. Other mounting devices are bases which are designed to sit on the floor to support an assistive device. This style can be easily moved as needed and is an efficacious solution when a typical table edge or wheelchair system is not available.

Adjustable arms are used to mount and position switches any way the user desires. A gooseneck-type is flexible with a clamp to easily attach to a wheelchair or table. Some have a ball joint to allow swiveling for a more precise positioning adjustment. Other adjustable arms have joints to loosen and tighten for precise placement. They are combined with various mounting plates depending on individual needs, and can be mounted on a table, wheelchair, or a base mount.

What are Switch Adapters?

Switch adapters come in a variety of types and styles, depending on what kind of device it is connecting to. For a device with a stereo jack, a switch connector is designed to connect that piece of equipment to a switch. Sometimes, more than one switch may be used with a stereo jack adapter. For a device which has a USB connector, such as a computer, a switch adapter can be plugged into it and used with single-switch software for a variety of applications. Some switch adapters are made to convert a plug of one size in a device to a plug of another size in another device. For example, a 1/8 inch plug can be connected to a ¼ inch plug with a converting adapter. Or, a ¼ inch or 3/32 inch plug can be connected to a 1/8 inch plug with an adapter.

Other switch adapters are modifiers, which means they can turn a momentary capability switch into a latch switch or a timed switch. Also, they incorporate an intention adjustment which can be set to require the switch to be held down for a specific length of time before triggering the device. These are useful for those with tremors or uncontrolled movements. In latch mode, a device is activated when the switch is pressed, and turned off when the switch is pressed again. In timed mode, a device will stay on for a preset length of time.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a wide variety of innovative communication switch accessories from high quality vendors, which include Enabling Devices, Adaptivation, Ablenet, and Grip Solutions.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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