Good practice in developing Switch Skills
Just about everything to do with developing switching skills. This page is under development. However, I hope that you will find it a useful resource.
SwitchSyms
SwitchSyms from TalkSense are a free resource that can be downloaded from this page. In most cases (although there are exceptions to the rule) switches should be labelled with a symbol for the POLE item (Person Object Location Event) that they control. Producing the switch labels can be time consuming UNLESS you use SwitchSyms. Simply download the Word Document from the page and begin using SwitchSyms in conjunction with your switch work.
Multi-Sensory Referencing and Objects Of Reference
Multi-Sensory Referencing is a system for developing awareness of time and space in individuals experiencing Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties as well as for those with 'cognitive loss' as in senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The system is not a single technique but, rather, comprises a number of integrated approaches that, together, create an environment that is supportive of understanding, learning and increased awareness. These 'approaches' include:
- Objects Of Reference;
- Sensory Cueing;
- Environmental Engineering;
- Tangible Symbol Development;
A number of free downloads are available from this page which may help with the implementation of an MSR scheme.
TalkSense offers both an open training course (days on which anyone may attend) and closed training courses (courses booked specifically by a host venuw for in service training) in MSR. PLease see the training section of this website for further details.
- Objects Of Reference;
- Sensory Cueing;
- Environmental Engineering;
- Tangible Symbol Development;
A number of free downloads are available from this page which may help with the implementation of an MSR scheme.
TalkSense offers both an open training course (days on which anyone may attend) and closed training courses (courses booked specifically by a host venuw for in service training) in MSR. PLease see the training section of this website for further details.
101 ideas for working with a BIGmack
The BIGmack from AbleNet is a brilliant resource that has many imitators but, don't be fooled, none of which are as good in my opinion! This page covers some basic rules for staff working with the BIGmack together with a whole host of ideas for its use in the classroom. I am sure that one of them may spark a new way of tackling a challenge that you may be facing.
Teaching Through Toys
Teaching Through (switch adapted) Toys is not only fun but may also be the key to furthering independence for some Learners. Switch adpated toys are not just for learning cause and effect but can be used across the curriculum creatively to teach literacy, numeracy, music, history, geography, etc and they can also help to develop independence through raising inclusion, cognition, self awareness, physical ability and communication. One thing that switch adapted toys provide is Learner control. It is important that Learners experience being in control of their environment to avoid promoting passivity.
Many toys are easily adapted to work with switches: some are not. Knowing which is which is important! Once adapted they can become a part of a professional's toys kit in helping Learners achieve and progress. We should not overlook their role in education.
Many toys are easily adapted to work with switches: some are not. Knowing which is which is important! Once adapted they can become a part of a professional's toys kit in helping Learners achieve and progress. We should not overlook their role in education.