Page 313 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

302 HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Device 1
E.g. Communica on Aid

Input. Integrator
e.g.
Switch(es) Unit

Device 2
E.g. Pager
Mode
Mode Func on:
e.g. long press on Switch or
Func on
input switch.
FIGURE 10-1 Schema of the dedicated integrator model of integration�

Table 10-1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Dedicated Integrator Unit or Device-
Switching Model

Benefits Disadvantages
Simplicity of setup. The potential for error in setup (i.e., plugging in cables).
Simplicity of use (if the user can understand the Need for the user to understand a ‘long’ or other mode
function of the mode switch). press, or to need an additional switch.
Ability to use with existing, standalone technology Additional maintenance load of providing an additional
(which the user may already have in place). device.
Flexibility of setup – in being able to use each device Additional setup load on the support staff.
separately or with the integrator.
Continuous fail-safe option. Sourcing or manufacture of integrator device.
Ability to use with any existing technology or varying
devices.

An example of this model could be an individual who controls a powered wheelchair
with a joystick. As with the device-switching model, this model requires either a mode
switch or a mode function (e.g., a long press). In most cases the user will be able to use the
mode button on the joystick to switch between driving mode and output mode – and the
joystick signals (e.g., four switch directions and buttons) are then sent to another device
(e.g., a communication aid). Another example is the use of devices which overfit a joystick
control and send mouse signals to the device. In this case, the user turns the wheelchair off
to operate the secondary device.
Joystick control is not required to be able to use the wheelchair as the primary device –
it is possible to use any input method to achieve this – for example, a directional switch
control such as four switches on a wheelchair tray. It is also possible to achieve this with a