A switch is an assistive technology device that is used to control another device. In the simplest for these can be connected to toys and rewards to demonstrate cause and effect; for people with severe physical and cognitive impairment they are used to control a variety of communication aids and environmental controls. Some devices can use a number of switches at the same time to control different aspects of the device.

Switches can have an immediate effect (switch on/switch off) or can be used with a time latch mechanism which controls the period of time that the device works for. In the simplest form they can be pressed or touched to operate, for example pal pad and jelly bean switches. More complex switches allow devices to be controlled by a range of movements, such as squeezing, foot operation and by placing a number of items on the switch in order (for example a stacking cone switch). Many switches have in themselves a cause and effect mechanism, such as vibration or melody.

To see our range of switches please check out our switches catalogue, which is available in our downloads centre. There is also a very useful article for beginners to switch access technology with some useful links at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch_access