Multi-sensory Switch Activities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Many of my clients with limited fine-motor control enjoy pressing a switch to activate a desired result such as turning on music, a fan, vibration or light.  Some individuals with higher cognitive abilities can turn their head to hit a switch that activates a recording of a joke. Some clients enjoy the combination of "cause and effect" devices with fine motor activities such as ring stacks and insertion tasks.  They love all the sensory stimulation!

I set up a  table with a control panel that plugs into a wall outlet. The control panel was provided by the American Printing House for the Blind free for clients with legal blindness. Check out: https://www.aph.org/ 

Switches and adapted toys are sold on Amazon or via special needs websites such as Enabling Devices at  https://enablingdevices.com/

The devices shown in the following videos all plug into electric outlets and use AC current. However,  some battery operated toys are sold adapted to be used with switches. Another option is to purchase a battery interrupter. The latter is much less expensive and versatile!  

  The copper piece is placed between batteries and the connection and the switch male plug is attached to the female end of the battery interrupter. (sorry to be so graphic...…)

 My clients  shown in the video enjoyed pressing the yellow panel switch as they engaged in the ring stack and insertion tasks. The yellow push panel switch and the 2 electric cords (to lamp and massager) plugged into the control panel. The control panel has settings so that the device(s) can
1. go on or off when the yellow switch is pressed
2. the devices stay on as long as the switch is pressed or
3. a timer is set so that it stays on after pressed for a select amount of time as shown in the video.

I think that my clients appreciate the control they have to make the lamp and massager go on whenever they want. The sensory and novelty aspects of this set-up certainly make ring stacks and insertion tasks more engaging. Notice the large rings on the table that can be placed over the lamp.

This activity can be adapted to encourage exercise by placing the materials (e.g. rings or bean bags) on the floor or across the room so that walking and moving up and down are required. The young lady sitting at the table loves the sensory devices (radio, lamp, fan and massager) so I hope that I can use the devices to motivate her to get out of her seat and move!

Source: Multi-sensory Switch Activities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities by RecyclingOT

Source: Sensory Lamp Ring Stack for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders by RecyclingOT

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