About our Adaptive Resource Loan Program
Finding the right adaptive resource for your student can be costly and time-consuming. One thing we have found difficult over the years is having a range of technology at our disposal that would appeal to a variety of developmental levels, access needs and interests. While working with students with a wide range of physical, occupational and communicative needs, we have narrowed down an inventory of assistive technology that has been most beneficial in our setting. We offer these tools for you to borrow free of charge so that you can “try before you buy” from your preferred vendor. It is our hope that as you “Switch It Up,” more educational professionals and parents will be exposed to a wider range of technology to further support the development and use of assistive technology in the Durham Region. If an item is out of stock your request will be placed in a que and filled at a later date.
How it works
The Switch It Up program is currently available to staff (SERTs, Special Education Teachers) in Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board, as well as parents of students at Grandview School.
Follow these steps to borrow a resource from our collection:
- Select an item from our inventory that meets the needs, goals and interests of your student.
- Fill out the Contact Form with the required information.
- A staff member from Grandview School will reach out to you with borrowing parameters, loan dates and an agreement form.
- The item will be sent to you through the school courier.
- You will return the item on the agreed-upon date in clean, working order through the school courier.
All switch-adapted items will come with a plate-style switch to try, or you can also request a specific switch from our inventory. Training and suggestions for implementation are available when borrowing an item.
If there is a specific toy you would like adapted or a switch not available in this inventory, it is possible that these could be adapted or 3D printed for a small cost, typically the cost of parts.
Contact Form
To request a device from the Switch It Up program, please fill out the contact form below. If you have any questions about the program or to make a custom request for adapting resources, please reach out to Shaun Maddock, Education Consultant, at shaun.maddock@grandviewkids.ca
Switch Fun and Adapted Toys
Xbox Adaptive Controller (025) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-025
Description: Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that helps make gaming more accessible. Connect external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to create a custom controller experience that is uniquely yours. Button, thumbstick and trigger inputs are controlled with assistive devices (sold separately) connected through 3.5mm jacks and USB ports.
All-Turn-It-Spinner (020) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-020
Description: Include students with disabilities in your regular classroom activities. The All-Turn-It Spinner provides students with severe/profound disabilities hundreds of opportunities for interacting with their peers in a variety of classroom activities. The switch activated All-Turn-It Spinner, with a built-in external switch jack, enables random selections for choosing groups or playing games of chance like Bingo. Also a fun alternative to rolling dice.
Switch Adapted Dice Roller: By Shaun Maddock (021) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-021
Description: This switch adapted dice roller is a fun option for students who may not be able to physically roll the dice. Use it for numeracy activities such as adding or make board games and games of chance more inclusive.
Switch Adapted Fan: By Shaun Maddock (039) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-039
Description: This fan has both a high and low speed and spins quickly with a short press. Great for creating wind during STEM activities, cooling off on a hot day or blowing away bubbles. Add streamers or ribbon for a great cause and effect activity.
Switch Adapted Pitching Machine: By Shaun Maddock (042) – UNDER REPAIR
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-042
Description: This pitching machine is a fun way to get students with physical limitations engaged in sport. The user can press the switch to pitch up to 5 balls.
Switch Adapted Hot Wheels Track: By Shaun Maddock (030) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-030
Description: What kid doesn’t love Hot Wheels? This Hot Wheels car booster has been switch-adapted to allow students who may not be able to push the cars to get in on the fun. This set comes with a booster, one car and a track set.
Switch Adapted Remote Control Car: By Shaun Maddock (038) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-038
Description: Looking for a way to engage your switch user in STEAM activities? Use this remote-controlled car to maneuver an obstacle course or knock down a tower. Helps to promote problem-solving and peer interaction.
Switch Adapted Boppin’ Beaver: By MMC (031) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-031
Description: The switch adapted Boppin’ Beaver toy sings and dances and can be controlled with accessible switches that have a 3.5 mm jack. The beaver is a Fisher Price toy that teaches ABCs, 123, opposites, and simple games.
Switch Adapted Scout Toy: By MMC (037) – UNDER REPAIR
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-037
Description: The switch adapted My Pal Scout/Violet sings songs and can be controlled with accessible switches that have a 3.5mm jack. The My Pal is a LeapFrog toy that sings lullabies and learning songs, and has activities with numbers, animals, food, and more.
Switch Adapted Toy Dog: By MMC (040) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-040
Description: This dog has the option to attach two switches. One switch makes the dog walk while a second makes it shake it’s tail. Great auditory and visual feedback for students learning how to use a switch.
Switch Adapted Toy Cat: By MMC (041) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-041
Description: This cat has the option to attach two switches. One switch makes the cat walk while a second makes it shake it’s tail. Great auditory and visual feedback for students learning how to use a switch.
Switch Adapted Bubble Machine: By MMC (032) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-032
Description: This switch adapted bubble machine is a great option for all students. Encourage peer engagement as friends blow and pop bubbles together!
Switches
Buddy Button (008) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-008
Description: A wired switch featuring a 2.5-in/6.35-cm activation surface that provides an auditory click and tactile feedback. Requires 3.5-oz/100-g of force to activate. The Buddy Button is a durable and reliable single switch that requires only the slightest touch of its 2.5-in/6.35-cm surface for activation.
Compact Capability Switch (012)– IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-012
Description: Adaptive switches like the compact capability switch help individuals with movement-limiting disabilities use technology and operate electronics more effectively. These adaptive devices offer easier movement solutions and act as an interface between technology and its users.
Plate Switch (011) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-011
Description: Ergonomically designed to respond to even the gentlest touch, this brightly colored plate switch will give users the power to control toys and devices independently.
Bumpy Switch (007) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-007
Description: The right choice for those who crave tactile stimulation, this bright yellow switch will activate all your toys and devices.
Textured Plate Switch (009) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-009
Description: Light-touch tactile switches activate with the slightest movement.
Textured Plate Switch (013) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-013
Description: The recessed button on this uniquely designed switch encourages practice of fine motor and finger isolation skills needed for mastery of computers and touch screen devices.
Thumb Switch (010) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-010
Description: Grip the yellow cylindrical base in your hand and press the red button with your thumb for momentary switch operation.
Adaptable Stick Switch (014) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-014
Description: Available from American Printing House.
Eye Blink Switch (006) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-006
Description: Control communicators, switch enabled computers or toys with the blink of an eye using this sensor-controlled switch.
MMC60 Switch by MMC (033) – MANY IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-033
Description: The MMC60 Switch is a cost-effective, 3D printable accessibility switch. The switch has a 60 mm (2.5 inch) round activation surface and uses a standard 3.5 mm cable. The switch is 40 mm in height. Using the specified switch, the activation force is about 3.4 N (325-350 gf). This switch has a button top that screws off, making it easy to swap to a customized top.
Low Profile Switch by MMC (034) – MANY IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-034
Description: This is a cost-effective 3D printable accessibility switch that only requires the user to lift their finger or hand as high as 8 mm to use it. This switch would be beneficial for someone who may have a limited range of motion and would benefit from using a switch that has a large activation area with a minimum switch height.
Interact Switch by MMC (035) – MANY IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-035
Description: The Interact Switch is a high quality, modular 3D printable switch design. The tactile feel of the switch is on par with commercial switches, coming in at about 35 g of activation force across the surface of the switch. The base has the same footprint as a Jellybean switch, and should work with any Jellybean switch mounts.
Light Touch Switch by MMC (043) – MANY IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-043
Description:
The Light Touch Switch is a 3D printable accessibility switch. This particular switch is well-suited for use by a finger.
Switch Interfaces
Blue2 Bluetooth Switch (005) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-005
Description: Go wireless with your switch access to a tablet, computer, mobile phone, or other devices with a Bluetooth connection. The Blue2 accessibility switch provides a user with two switch inputs and is compatible with most switch scanning software.
Jelly Beamer Wireless Transmitter (004) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-004
Description: The Jelly Beamer Twist Transmitter is a wireless switch that brings reliable, immediate switch access without the hassle of cords. Multiple Jelly Beamers can be used in the same room at the same time, from as far away as 30-feet, without interference. The 2.5-in/6.4-cm Jelly Beamer also includes an external switch jack, allowing you to use any single switch with our wireless receivers.
Don Johnston Switch Interface Pro (029) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-029
Description: Easy to use, affordable switch interface that allows a user to access switch-accessible software. 5 switch ports can emulate click, space, return, ever, tab, space, etc. Can be used with a single switch or multiple switches. Unit plugs directly into a computer USB port. Can be used with Mac, Windows or Chromebooks. Unit is small and does not require any drivers to run. Device can be used to run cause/effect software, turning the pages of an electronic book, playing a game, making a choice and running a Power Point presentation.
Crick USB Switch Interface (003) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-003
Description: The USB port is now the standard method of connecting devices to computers. Crick Software (the Clicker company) has created a simple and reliable switch interface that works with most switch accessible software. It is “plug and play” on Windows and Macintosh and works instantly with Clicker. The USB Keys software (included) converts switch presses from the Switch Box into key presses or mouse clicks. It is set up via a simple window where you simply choose which key press or mouse click each switch will give.
Switch Accessories
Dual Switch and Latch Timer (001) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-001
Description: With the Dual Switch Latch and Timer, add modes of control to any switch accessible toy or appliance. Latch locks the on in place until you hit the switch again to unlock, timer sets the latch for the determined minutes or seconds and duo allows you to add a second device.
Power Select (023) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-023
Description: The Power Select is a control unit that enables individuals to communicate and control electrical and battery-operated (with an AC adapter source) toys, appliances, and devices.
Universal Mounting System (029) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-029
Description: A single adjustment point on the mounting arm allows you to control the precise positioning of assistive technology or a tablet computer. Setup is easy and takes less than 2-minutes.
Augmentative Communication
Choice (015) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-015
Description: Increase the control of your multi-message communication with the Choice speech device. Activate the colored top to start the first message. If it’s not the message you want, activate the top again to interrupt the message skip to the next one. It’s that simple. New sequences of messages are easily and quickly recorded to the Choice on the fly, or use the levels pre-record up to three sets of messages ahead of time.
Big Mack (016) – OUT AND ABOUT
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-016
Description: Communication Aid for those who can access a larger target area. 5″ activation surface. Easy to record, crystal-clear voice quality. A Snap Switch Cap and toy/appliance cable included.
Go Talk 9 (016) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-016
Description: Communication Aid for those who can access a larger target area. 5″ activation surface. Easy to record, crystal-clear voice quality. A Snap Switch Cap and toy/appliance cable included.
Computer Peripherals
Keys-U-See Keyboard (028) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-028
Description: Keys-U-See is a plug-and-play USB keyboard for Windows computers.
OPTIMA Rollerball (027) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-027
Description: The OPTIMA Rollerball uses durable, optical technology for precise tracking and control of the cursor. A silky smooth ball movement and large footprint for stability make the OPTIMA ideal for a wide spectrum of computer users.
OPTIMA Joystick (026) – IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-026
Description: The OPTIMA Joystick is a compact, desktop joystick that does not require fine motor skills and is suitable for a wide spectrum of computer users.
Chester Mouse – (036) IN STOCK
ITEM ID: SWITCHIT-036
Description: Young children can be confused about whether to use the right or left button on a mouse, and clicking on small objects, using drag-and-drop and click-and-move can be frustrating. A standard mouse doesn’t fit into small hands or the buttons are just too far apart. Welcome Chester, a tiny single-button mouse with no scroll wheel, that’s easy to control and made of rugged plastic for strength and durability.
