FUNctional Switching
FUNctional Switching is an approach to developing switch skills created through a CENMAC and Ace Centre collaboration.
The focus of FUNctional Switching is the use of fun activities that encourage engagement between the learner, their peers, and family members while developing switch skills. The five stages of FUNctional Switching are clear and easy to follow.
Gears Analogy
Learning to use switches is like learning to drive a manual car. The early gears get you moving, but after that, you can shift around the gears based on context and activity.
First Gear is the initial stage and is all about cause and effect. Just like driving, you can't start without first gear, so it is important that you do not begin switch work before establishing that the learner understands cause and effect. This is the foundational skill that everything else builds on.
Second to Fifth Gears are all about refining and expanding to find at least two reliable movements to activate a switch. You do not always need to use them in order. Sometimes you cruise through all the gears in sequence; sometimes you skip straight to a higher gear, depending on the task and motivation. Other times, you might shift down for more control. Every gear has its place.
Why Learn Switches?
Switches are very useful for learners with physical and/or intellectual difficulties. They can be used to:
- Play video games
- Interact with people
- Control the environment
- Provide independent mobility
- Control a communication aid
- Access education
Some learners quickly pick up pressing a switch for a single response (often called cause and effect) while for others we must ensure that they get plenty of opportunities to explore switches at this level and beyond.
Certain activities involve scanning, the method used to choose from many options by pressing one or two switches. For example, scanning can enable learners to type letters of the alphabet and select symbols from a robust vocabulary on a communication aid.
The process of moving from cause and effect to scanning is known as switch development. The five gears of FUNctional Switching are our take on this process.
Before You Begin
Get to know the learner before introducing a switch. If possible, spend some time with them engaging in preferred activities. If the learner is a child, then observe them playing with their parents or other familiar people.
During this step observe key information such as:
- Sensory skills (particularly vision and hearing)
- Physical Skills (for switches access points)
- Motivation (FUN and engagement are essential for learning!)
Cause and Effect
Recognising that a switch makes something happen is an essential first step. Often learners already understand this idea in general but have not connected it to using a switch.
FAQs
Answering common queries and concerns.
New Movements
Once the learner understands that the switch does a load of really cool stuff, they are likely to put effort into learning new movements or using movements that might have felt difficult at first. Work with the learner to find at least two reliable movements to activate a switch. Don't worry if these seem clumsy or slow – we can refine them. It is more important to offer plenty of activities and have lots of FUN!
FAQs
Answering common queries and concerns.
Two Switches
Using two switches activated by different parts of the body is a complex skill that involves coordination, problem-solving, sequencing, making choices, and many other abilities. Fortunately, you can learn these skills through FUN activities!
Just remember at this stage the switches do two different things. When the learner activates one of the switches, you need to be ready to react quickly.
FAQs
Answering common queries and concerns.
Build or Scan Failure Free
At this point, the learner is motivated and coordinated to use two or more switches. This is a great time to introduce the concept of scanning, a process where one switch works in combination with another. Scanning can feel confusing at first, so start with error-free activities to make learning easier.
FAQs
Answering common queries and concerns.
Scanning with Purpose
By teaching a learner how to use scanning, we are providing them with choice. We are then able to interpret that choice as intentional and meaningful communication.
A good way to start is by playing computer games that involve scanning particular cells to 'win'. Another way is to introduce scanning in an AAC app, always assuming when a learner scans and selects a word or message that they mean it and then acting accordingly.
FAQs
Answering common queries and concerns.
Developed by
Charlie Danger in collaboration with CENMAC and Kezia Hesketh at Ace Centre.
Acknowledgements
This work builds on successful strategies developed by Linda Burkhart, Judy King, Tony Jones, Ian Bean and Michelle Lange.
This model was inspired by the teachers and therapists at Mada and Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. A special thanks for their feedback and frequent reminders to keep it simple.
Thanks also go to Will Wade and Alli Gaskin at Ace Centre for their encouragement and support. Particularly Alli, for providing the name FUNctional Switching.