By Luke Thompson

(DISCOUNT CODE FOR PRETORIAN PRODUCTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

When schools ask how to make their classrooms genuinely accessible for learners who use switches—whether for communication, curriculum software, sensory devices or adapted toys—I start with the same principle: create a setup that is predictable, consistent and low‑maintenance for busy teaching teams.

Why Classrooms Need To Be Switch‑Accessible

Many SEND schools tell me, “We don’t have many switch users.” I always find that surprising. The same schools often have learners using eye gaze, touch screens and various bespoke access solutions. My immediate question is: how are the other students accessing learning, play, communication and exploration?

In most cases, when a school believes they have only a handful of switch users, they actually have many students who could benefit from switch access—if the classroom environment made it visible, normalised and easy to try.

Switch assessments are rightly individual, but switch opportunities shouldn’t be. A switch‑ready classroom:

• gives all learners a route into cause‑and‑effect, choice‑making and participation
• supports students who do not yet have a clear access method
• lets staff model switch access naturally during everyday teaching
• sits alongside eye gaze, touch, direct access and communication devices as a universal tool

When switches only appear for a specific student or assessment, we limit exploration and reduce independence. A classroom setup that includes switches by default shifts the question from “Who is our switch user?” to “Who could benefit if switches were always available?”

There are several switch ecosystems available, each with strengths depending on learner and context. The kit described here is simply the one I most often use in UK classrooms because it offers a strong balance of reliability, simplicity and flexibility in real‑world conditions. It’s based on the Pretorian SimplyWorks ecosystem, but it is not the only option.

This is not an assessment kit—those are always bespoke. This is my recommended classroom baseline: equipment that makes switch access an ordinary part of teaching, not an occasional add‑on.

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The Classroom Starter Kit: Overview

Before diving into detail, here is an at‑a‑glance summary of each component and what it contributes:

• Wireless Switches (125 mm & 75 mm)
Large and small switches in clear colours, supporting different motor needs, two‑switch setups and group activities.

• Smooth Talker with Levels
A simple, flexible Audio Output Switch that gives learners access to multi‑level messaging and auditory scanning.

• PACE My Way (optional, free)
A larger‑capacity voice output tool with interrupt/talk‑over features for multi‑learner communication tasks.

Each element supports a different area of engagement—communication, control, learning, play—and together they create a predictable, robust environment where switch use feels normal, not specialist.

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The Kit in Detail

1) Receiver: The System Anchor

This is the classroom’s central hub connecting the main classroom computer to the switches and interfaces.

Two versions:

• SimplyWorks Receive (wired hub)
• SimplyWorks Receive 2 (USB dongle)
  🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-receive

Why I favour the original hub in classrooms:

• robust and harder to misplace
• pairing button is visible and easy to reach
• can be mounted somewhere obvious so staff don’t forget it exists
• builds confidence for teams new to assistive technology

Once paired, devices generally stay paired—even across lessons and activities—reducing daily setup time.

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2) Send 6: The Flexible Interface

🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-send-6/

The Send 6 converts any wired switch into a wireless SimplyWorks switch. It has six ports, allowing one learner to use two switches—or a whole group to take part.

Why it works well in classrooms:

• supports two‑switch access and multi‑learner tasks
• switch functions (e.g., Space, Enter, Click) are set on the device—not buried in operating system menus
• avoids per‑learner system profiles
• reliable across most classroom software

It’s not the most configurable interface available, but for everyday school use, predictability wins.

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3) Wireless Switches: Large (125mm) & Small (75mm)

🔗 Large: https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-switch-125/
🔗 Small: https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-switch-75/

A small mix of large and small switches supports different learners and different tasks. I typically recommend:

• 1 × large red (125 mm)
• 1 × small yellow (75 mm)
• 1 × large green (125 mm)
• 1 × small blue (75 mm)

Why this mix works:

• Motor needs:
  Pairing a small and a large switch is useful for learners accessing both with one hand.
  The large switch can be placed where a deliberate reach is needed; the smaller one where accidental activation is more likely.
  For scanning setups, I often make the small switch the scan and the large the select—it reduces fatigue and improve selection intentionality.
• Visual needs:
  The colours and sizes supports visual access – it’s handy to have the range for the teaching team to trial throughout the day.
• Two‑switch or multi-switch access or activities:
  Ideal for scan/select, on/off, or directional control. Can be used for accessible gaming or computer activities, like those that need up, down, left and right.
• Group activities:
  Enables shared control, collaborative tasks and turn‑taking.

Practical tips:

• keep spare AA and CR2032 batteries
• store a mini screwdriver with the kit
• use Velcro to keep switches visible, off cluttered surfaces, and easy to grab

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4) Environmental Control: Energise & iClick

🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/iclick
🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-energise/

These devices turn mains plugged in items to be switch accessible, letting students operate things like:

• fans
• sensory lights
• food mixers
• massagers
• hair dryers

This opens real, motivating cause‑and‑effect learning—not just on‑screen interactions.

iClick: adds touchscreen/iPad control.
Energise: all the key modes, lower cost.

Built‑in modes:

• direct (press and hold)
• latched (press on, press off)
• timed (seconds/minutes)
• cooperative (two switches pressed together)
• on/off (separate switches)

These modes make structured skill development possible without extra software.

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5) Control Pro: For Battery‑Powered Toys

🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-control-pro/

Many switch toys are too fast, too long‑running or not adjustable. Control Pro fixes this.

It gives toys the same modes as Energise/iClick, meaning learners can practise control without the toy running away with the task.

It also revitalises older kit—e.g., plugging into a PowerLink 2 for wireless control and modern timing options.

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6) Smooth Talker With Levels: Audio Output Switch

🔗 https://www.pretorianuk.com/simplyworks-smooth-talker-with-levels/

Why I recommend it:

• works with wireless or wired switches
• more flexible than an iTalk2-style device
• five levels for organised message sets
• sequential message playback for stories
• Prompt Mode gives simple auditory scanning

There are lot more functions and capabilities of what the Smooth Talker with Levels does – watch this space for training video coming soon. In the meantime here is a quick how to:

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7) PACE My Way (Free)

A useful free option with:

• larger message capacity
• talk‑over and interrupt modes
• protected playback

Helpful for group communication tasks or turn‑taking.

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Final Thoughts

A switch‑ready classroom isn’t just for learners with physical access needs—it’s an inclusive environment that normalises alternative access for everyone. When staff model switch use as part of everyday teaching, learners see it as a natural way to interact with their environment.

This kit provides a practical, flexible foundation for:

• consistent switch practice
• confident staff
• inclusive participation
• accessible sensory and creative experiences

If your school would like help tailoring kits to individual learners or refining classroom setups, I’m always happy to support.

DISCOUNT CODE

Pretorian Technologies have kindly provided my readers with a discount code for their website, where many of the products listed above are available.

The discount code is “SwitchHeroes” — please enter it at checkout.

I am independent and do not receive any payment from the sale of these products, but I hope you enjoy the discount.