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Tagged with 'Switches'

Cosmo by Filisia: Interactive and Multisensory Accessibility Switches

Access Angle: Cosmo by Filisia

Interactive and Multisensory Accessibility Switches

Cosmo devices are a set of interactive and multisensory accessibility switches designed for children and adults with special educational needs or physical disabilities in schools, therapy, and home. The switches work together with Cosmo applications. The switches and applications have been “useful and suitable for people with moderate to severe autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and other physical, social, and communication difficulties,” according to the Cosmo team. Cosmo has assisted learners in turn-taking, attention, reaction time, memory skills, sequencing skills, waiting skills, hand-eye coordination, balance, proprioception, speed and range of movement, field of vision, vocalization, following of instructions, collaboration, leadership, problem solving, executive function, transitions, and more.

Cosmo ExcelCosmo Excel

I recently had an opportunity to use Cosmo and the Cosmo Training Application activities. It took me a few trials to pair the Cosmoids at first, but once the firmware was updated and I learned how to switch between modes for the training application and the switch set up application, the connection worked great. I was on my way to exploring the games and activities. The application is a free download with access to 18 activities and a trial with the option to purchase several more. My favorite three activities were the ones named; Exercise, Whac-a-mole, and Cosmonaut. I enjoyed the challenge of reaching to touch the appropriate switch with either a physical stretch or trying to beat the clock. The vibrant colors and music helped keep things interesting. The ability to reposition the switches based on the activity, or to create a greater challenge, added to the versatility. I can definitely see this type of set up as being a motivating way to increase hand-eye coordination, response/ reaction time, and speed and range of movement for my upper extremities. There is much more to explore with Cosmo, I have only scratched the surface!

 

Two ways to use Cosmo:

  • Cosmo Training Application (iPad only) – play activities and games
  • Accessibility Switch Set Up Application – (iOS & Android to use third party applications and devices)

Key features of Cosmo:

  • The switches are called Cosmoids
    • Shape and size: Round. 5cm radius. 3.5cm high.
    • Color: Semitransparent white and can light up in 9 available colors
    • Switch type: Mechanical
    • Activating force: Adjustable. Min. 50-grams. Max. 17.6 oz/ 500 grams
    • Battery: Lithium Polymer, 800mAh or 600mAh. Rechargeable via micro usb. Approx. 2-4 hours to charge. A full charge will last around 20 hours. When fully charged, the switch will be green.
    • On/off power button/mode button
    • Mounting holes are included on the Cosmoid and each comes with a magnet for mounting.
  • Cosmo Training Application activities were co-designed by therapists and special educators with a focus on learning, play, and therapy. Cosmo offers a growing selection of activities that motivate learners to develop cognitive, communication, and physical skills through play and music. Multi-sensory activities work towards achieving skill-based, functional, and national curriculum-compatible goals.
  • Switch Set Up Application has multiple configurations to customize the function of the Cosmoid, such as touch sensitivity, brightness, color, function, etc. Once configured, it can be paired to Bluetooth compatible devices such as laptops, tablets, phones that run iOS, OS X, Windows, and Android, Linux operating systems.
  • Switching between Cosmo mode and Bluetooth controller HID mode is completed through a sequence of holding down the power button.
  • There are three types of Cosmo Kits; Cosmo Excel, Cosmo Explore, and Cosmo Switch. The main difference in kits is the number of Cosmoids.

 

Cosmo has produced a few webinars on YouTube specific to inclusion, to learn more visit Inclusive Learning, Therapy, and Play and Technology for Inclusion.

SchoolHealth is a United States Cosmo distribution partner. The Cosmo devices can be purchased through the website at https://www.schoolhealth.com/cosmo-devices or reach out with any questions and the sales team will be happy to work with you.

Posted in Access Angle Segment

Candy Corn and Jelly Beans: More Than Just Sweet Treats

Candy Corn and Jelly Beans: More Than Just Sweet Treats

Accessibility Switches Increase Access to Technology and More

There are many switches on the market for people who need alternate ways to access their computers, tablets, communication and mobility devices, toys, games, and other daily living activities. Figuring out which switches are right for your needs can be difficult. Comparison charts can be a helpful way to learn about a variety of switches and their features. These types of charts provide an easy way to review the switch type, activation type, activation force, type of feedback, size, color, and more.

A few switches I really like are the Candy Corn Proximity Switch and the Jelly Bean Switch. Both switches are highly sensitive to touch and activating them is very easy. Here is a bit more information on each.

 AbleNet LITTLE Candy Corn 2 and BIG Candy Corn Switch

These switches use highly sensitive proximity sensor technology for activation. When the user is near or barely touching the activation surface, the switch will activate. When activated, an auditory beep and light appear. This feature can be turned off if it is not needed. A replaceable battery is included.

AbleNet LITTLE Candy Corn 2 Proximity Switch 

AbleNet BIG Candy Corn Proximity Switch

  • Activation surface is nearly two times the size of the LITTLE Candy Corn Switch
  • Product Dimensions: 3.85-in L x 4-in W x 0.58-in H
  • Plug Size: 3.5mm mono (TS) plug

AbleNet Jelly Bean Switch

This AbleNet Jelly Bean Switch activates by pressing the top in any location. The color of the switch can be changed to red, green, blue, or yellow. There is a clear snap cap for symbol use. You can download the AbleNet Symbol Overlay Maker Application for free to create printable symbol overlays with access to thousands of symbols for devices and accessibility switches. The App. requires an iPad with iPadOS 13 or newer.

AbleNet remarkable ideas- using Jelly Bean and Candy Corn Switch is a five-minute video which provides practical and functional ideas on how these switches can be incorporated into the classroom and daily living activities.

I’ve had the experience of connecting these switches to an AbleNet Powerlink 4 Control Unit to control appliances independently, such as; turning on and off lamps, an oscillating fan, and even a handheld mixer (helping mix muffins) which was possible using either switch. They were both easy to operate. Positioning is always an important consideration when deciding on placement and switch access. Mounting or angling the switch might take a few trials to get it right. 

A longtime friend of mine, Justin, also tried out the Candy Corn Proximity Switch. At the time, Justin was using switches mounted to his wheelchair near the sides of his headrest.

His mom explained, “For Justin, turning his head to the right and left is his most reliable and purposeful movement. Justin has a harder time turning far enough to activate a button switch. By positioning the Candy Corn proximity switch within his range of movement, he was able to access his computer games and switch toys without repeated tries.” 

Judy also said that she liked the audio cue of the Candy Corn, which prompted Justin to move his head back to midline. 

There are many benefits to using switches as they help people with limited movement to enjoy greater independence, improved self-esteem, communication with others, access to technology and computers, an increase in inclusion and participation at home, school and in the community.

School Health is an official US Distributor of AbleNet products. Visit the SchoolHealth website to explore these and other switches.

Posted in Access Angle Segment

ATIA 2017 Recap: Accessibility and ATIA

by Dr. Raymond Heipp

The annual Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference is an event that always reinvigorates my support for those with differing abilities. Each year I try to focus on areas in which I have the most questions. This year, my focus was accessibility. It was so wonderful to see old accessibility products that have been updated, and new products which cover areas that may not have been previously addressed.

Although any blog post cannot do full justice to the impact of devices, let me do my best to give you a view of accessibility at ATIA this year!

TAPitAccessibility and Established Products

This year, I found several products that had been updated to bring accessibility to even more people.  The first of those items was the TAPit Interactive Platform. Already known for its ability to adjust and adapt, the manufacturers have taken it a step further. The device has always been able to differentiate between intended and that unintended touch.

Now, it is a native multi-touch device that can still have that differentiated ability in two ways:

  1. It relies on conductive properties of the hand or conductive material to interact. Hence, anyone who leans on the screen using sleeves or gloves is not going to affect the touch at all.

  2. The firmware allows the device to recognize that stationary conductive touch as unintended touch – in just one second. This eliminates some of the delays that might have been encountered with the older version of the TAPit.


In all, the changes to the TAPit permit much greater access for all students and adults!

Candy CornI also spent time looking at access for those who need to use a switch, but may not have the capability to effectively use a standard type of switch. Those who know me know that I highly recommend proximity switches to create greater accessibility.

There are really only two proximity switches which I feel comfortable recommending to individuals and those were both present at the show. First, the Candy Corn offers accessibility by proximity with the added benefit of visual and auditory cuing when the switch is activated.

 

Movement Sensor SwitchThe second switch is another great one and it is the Movement Sensor Switch.  This switch has an amazing amount of flexibility and is able to activate upon detecting the slightest movement. I think that this device offers so much flexibility for personal accessibility!

 

 

 

ultimateswitchAccessibility and Differentiated Approaches

It was wonderful to meet and speak with the team from Enabling Devices.  Seth, Vincent, and Bill have such a strong knowledge of devices and how to make them work for each individual. My favorite device of theirs is listed above and is the Movement Sensor Switch. My next favorite device from them is the Ultimate Switch. This device can be mounted anywhere and needs limited force to be activated. I could have played with it all day.

Ironically, as I was speaking with them, a woman stopped by to ask about it.  She had one of the original versions of it, which was still working, and wanted to see some of the updates to it. In listening to her, she described how the ease of interaction created heightened levels of access for her child. A switch should create access, not additional problems to be overcome. The Ultimate Switch offers a universal approach to creating accessibility with any device.

Accessibility is Critical in 2017

You are going to see that I am on an accessibility bandwagon in 2017! I will be travelling the country looking for how we are creating accessible environments for everyone. If you have an accessible environment you want to highlight or have questions as to how to make your location accessible, please contact me at rheipp@schoolhealth.com so that we can schedule a visit. Let’s make 2017 the Year of Accessibility for All!

Posted in Special Education

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