Here is the Switch Heroes Switch Profile!

One of the challenges I encounter when supporting a switch-user with a switch intervention is ensuring consistent communication about switch placement, activities, and other factors. The individuals who work directly with the switch-user are often very busy and have many responsibilities. As a result, I often rely on a small number of people to pass on information to others. Additionally, I have worked with several students who have changed locations, and their switch interventions have varied depending on the new classroom and school, with little understanding of the previous interventions used.

To address these challenges, I have created a switch profile that helps everyone working with a switch-user to quickly see their setup, switch site, ideal posture support, list of common switch activities, and more. This profile can also serve as a record/passport of switch interventions used with the user and works in conjunction with the switch assessment tool. The switch profile consists of the following:

1. Switch Profile: This section includes:
   • Goal: Essential to ensure switch interventions are user-centred, purposeful, and directed.
   • Equipment List: A detailed list of all necessary equipment.
   • Setup Description: A clear description of the setup.
   • Ideal Postural Support: Information on the best postural support for switch access, along with alternative postures.
   • Switch Progression: You can choose a 7SSD stage and step or write your own information if you use another developmental switch scale.
   • Switch Progression Goal: The target for the switch-user’s progression within this profile and the date they are expected to achieve it.
   • Primary, Secondary, and Dynamic Switch Control Site Information: Descriptions of the switch site and movement, type of switch, and mounting.
   • Common Activities: A list of common activities and when and where they are used.
   • Notes/Comments: A section for additional notes and comments.
2. Reference Photos: This section provides space to upload an overview photo of the switch-user with their switch setup, along with four other photos with personalised labelling. There is also a comments section below the overview photo to describe or explain anything. I recommend completing the first two pages, printing them back-to-back, laminating them, and placing them somewhere easily accessible for quick reference.
3. Switch-User View: Involving the switch-user and their loved ones in switch interventions is crucial. This page encourages capturing their views on various aspects of their switch intervention, such as their overall view, activities, and types of switches. I use a simple scale of dislike, indifferent, and like, but you can replace this with a scale that is most appropriate for the user/setting. There is also a section to capture loved ones’ views in the comments.
4. Notes: A sheet for progress notes is provided to help teams record successes and challenges around switch interventions, which can be helpful for the switch-user’s next review.

I hope you find this resource a helpful tool in supporting these fabulous children, young people, and adults in using this transformative technology.

Is there something missing from the profile you would add or a section you think is unnecessary? Your feedback, suggestions and comments are warmly welcomed and wanted!

(just made slight changes to the switch profile to allow for editing as formatting appeared to be a challenge)