Page 151 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 5 • Alternative Access Technologies 139

FIGURE 5-25 Softytops switch cover� Courtesy of Smile Smart Technology.

considerable force, causing discomfort or pain. Solutions are to use a soft switch (e.g.,
34
Ablenet’s Pillow or Leaf switches ), noncontact proximity switches or fit a soft cover such
35
as Smile Smart Technology’s Softytops (Fig. 5-25) over the switch.
Sip-Puff (Pneumatic) Switch
A sip-puff switch detects breath movements. The switch can be positioned with a mount-
ing arm or attached to a headset. Sip-puff switches are often used by people with spinal
injury or physical disabilities that limit use of upper and lower limbs.
Proximity Switches

Proximity switches do not require a physical touch to activate; they can be controlled using,
for example, eye blink, facial muscle movement or head or finger movements. Examples
are the SCATIR infrared switch that can detect very small movements and ‘head arrays’
commonly used for driving powered wheelchairs, from suppliers such as Stealth, ASL and
Dynamic Controls.

Switch Interfaces
Purpose-built electronic assistive technologies designed for switch access will usually
have 3.5 mm jack sockets to accept switches, but mainstream computers and devices do
not have a suitable socket and so require a switch interface.

34 Ablenet switches: https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/switches.
35 Softytops switch cover: https://smilesmart-tech.com/.