Corded Button Switches
Corded button switches allow people with physical disabilities to activate and access assistive technology and mainstream devices in their environment, such as smartphones, tablets and computers.
These switches might be helpful for persons with limited upper-body mobility resulting from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, stroke, or amputation.
Type of accessory: Ability Switches
How do you use these accessories?
Press the button switch to select and access apps and functions in your smart device, including call and messaging services.
Pressing a button switch closes an electrical circuit, which activates the equipment it is connected to via the 3.5mm plug. A Bluetooth switch interface is needed in order for this device to connect to a smartphone or tablet.
An example of how to use these devices can be seen in the following video:
Example of Switch use on iOS Accessible Apps
These accessories connect to phones via:
Audio Jack: NoBlueTooth: Yes (By using a Bluetooth Interface Switch)WiFi: NoMicro USB: NoOther: No
Is there any other piece of equipment required for this accessory to work properly with a phone?
Yes. Corded button switches do not have Bluetooth connectivity, which is usually required to connect to a smartphone or tablet; therefore you need a “Bluetooth Switch Interface” which is a device that acts as a connection bridge between your corded switch and your smartphone or tablet.
Some Bluetooth switch interfaces in the market are Tecla Shield DO, Tecla-e and Pretorian Applicator switch interface.
Compatibility:
The compatibility of a corded button switch depends on the Bluetooth Switch Interface used to connect to the phone or tablet.
Popular corded switches available in Australia:
1. AbleNet Big Buddy Switch
The Big Buddy Switch is a large wired switch featuring an 11.5 cm (4.5-inches) activation surface that provides an auditory click and tactile feedback. It requires 150 grams of force to activate.
Available at: Zyteq, Spectronics and Technical Solutions
More information on:
2. AbleNet Big Red
The Big Red switch provides a large 12.7cm (5 inch) activation surface that activates with 156 grams of force. Included are red, blue, yellow, and green interchangeable switch tops and a snap on clear symbol holder.
Available at: Zyteq, Spectronics, Technical Solutions, and Communicate AT
More information on:
3. AbleNet Buddy Button
The Buddy Button is a wired switch featuring a 6.4 cm (2.5 inches) activation surface that provides an auditory click and tactile feedback. It requires 142 grams of force to activate.
Available at: Zyteq, Spectronics, Technical Solutions and Communicate AT
More information on:
4. AbleNet Mini Cup Switch
The Mini Cup switch features a 2.5 cm (1-inch) activation surface that provides auditory click and tactile feedback, and requires 130 grams of force to activate.
Available at: Spectronics and Technical Solutions
More information on:
5. Inclusive Technology Finger Button 30
The Finger Button 30 wraps around the user's finger, has an activation area of 10mm, requires 75 grams of force to activate and provides tactile feedback.
Available at: Zyteq and Spectronics
More information on:
Finger Button 30 Switch Webpage
6. AbleNet Micro Light Touch Switch
The Micro Light switch is activated by pressing down on the top surface with a feather light touch. It is 4.5cm x 1.3cm x 2cm of activation surface and only requires 10 grams of force. It provides auditory click and tactile feedback.
Available at: Zyteq and Spectronics
More information on:
Micro Light Touch Switch Webpage
7. Origin Instruments Orby Switch
The Orby Switch has a smooth circular design that is 6.4 cm (2.5-inches) in diameter and less than 2.5 cm (1-inch) tall. A simple press anywhere on the top will provide a switch closure with audible feedback.
Available at: Spectronics
More information on:
8. Pikobutton
Pikobutton is a very sensitive, waterproof and durable switch that gives gentle tactile and auditory feedback upon activation. Available in many colours, this device comes in two sizes with a 30mm or 50 mm diameter and requires 125 grams of force to activate.
Available at: Zyteq
More information on:
9. Pretorian UK Smoothie 125 Switch
The Smoothie 125 is a low profile switch which has a 125mm diameter and provides tactile feedback. It’s low profile and angled design means the user can rest their hand on the desk in front of the unit and simply ‘roll’ it towards the switch when required. It comes in a variety of colors (red, yellow, blue, green).
Available at: Zyteq and Communicate AT
More information:
10. AbleNet Jelly Bean Twist
The Jelly Bean twist features a 6.4 cm (2.5-inches) activation surface that provides an auditory click and tactile feedback, and requires 71 grams of force to activate.
Available at: Spectronics, Technical Solutions and Communicate AT.
More information on:
11. AbleNet Specs Switch
The AbleNet Specs Switch is a compact wired switch featuring a 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) activation surface that provides an auditory click and tactile feedback. It requires 100 grams of force to activate. This device comes with three bases: flange base, flush base, and a strap adaptable base, including a 61 cm (24-inch) strap. This means the switch can be adapted to attach to different surfaces to better suit the needs of the individual.
Available at: Zyteq, Spectronics, Technical Solutions and Communicate AT.
More information on:
12. Pillow Switch
The AbleNet Pillow Switch has a smooth and soft foam activation surface, 8cm in diameter. The switch is suitable for head or cheek activation. The switch includes a safety pin and Velcro strap, allowing the switch to be fastened to a pillow or wheelchair cushion.
You can buy this accessory from Zyteq and Spectronics.
More information on:
Is there any training available for these accessories?
Training and demonstrations might be available directly from the retailers.
Corded Button Switches