Switch Heroes
The Seven Stages of Switch Development is a resource designed for switch users, their families, caregivers and those who assist them in using switches. This framework features child-friendly characters and stories that support learning. It is important to note that these stages are not rigid or claiming to be fully comprehensive, but rather offer a structure that can guide general switch progression. The framework provides a helpful reference for measuring and tracking progress while offering flexibility to accommodate the unique needs and preferences of each switch user.
Below are the seven stages with the character names, the title of the switch stage and associated shape and colour for differentiated learning:
Exploring Egbert the Elephant
Learning by experience
At this stage, you can press a switch to see what it does. It might do something really fun, like play music or light up. Your switch will be easy for you to reach, and your helpers can support you to find the best place for your switch.
Journeying Jiao the Giraffe
Intentionally make happen
Now you’ve now seen what fun switches can be, and you’ll know that when you press the switch something great happens. Your switch might be able to make lots of things happen, like making a toy move, playing music from a computer or making bubbles and lights go up a tube! You can have a go at pressing your switch in different positions or even using a different body part to press your switch.
Growing Gareth the Goat
Playing with two switches
Now you’re ready to try two switches and see what they do. Your switches might do completely different things. Give them both a try to see what they can do. You might use one body part to press one of your switches and a different body part to press another. If you can’t reach a second switch, your helper can offer the two switches one at a time for you to try.
Budding Brayton the Bear
Using two switches for one activity
Now that you are able to use two switches that make two different things happen, it is time to use two switches for the same activity. One switch might be used to move something along or build something up. When you’ve finished building or moving something along, you can use the other switch to complete the activity. If you are using one switch, you will need to press the switch at the right time. Your helper can support you by telling you what you need to look or listen out for before pressing your switch.
Flourishing Fatima the Flamingo
Playing with switch scanning
Now you’re ready to use your two switches to make a choice. You can use one switch to go through the options and your other switch to choose the one you want. It is up to you what you choose! If you are using one switch, the options will scan through automatically and you can press your switch when you see or hear the one you want.
Succeeding Saffi
Using switch scanning to find the right one
At this stage, you can use your two switches to make a choice, but this time you’ll need to choose the right one. Your helper might give you an exciting or interesting choice that you need listen to or look out for. You can use one switch to go through the choices and use your other switch when you hear or see the right one. If you’re using one switch, you’ll need to press your switch when you hear or see the right one.
Celebrating Syed
Independent in functional use
Now that you have worked your way through the stages, you are able to use switches confidently for lots of different activities. You can now use your switches to talk to others, play games, make lots of different choices, control things around you and maybe even more!
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates.