Today, to help teach us about computer switches, I would like to introduce Vinny, Tech Expert! Vinny has worked for Enabling Devices in the Tech Department for almost 11 years. He is our product specialist and plays a major role on the Product Development team. Vinny is very recognizable because he is the star in our Tech Videos!
Enabling Devices Blogger: What is a computer ready switch?
Vinny: Computer ready switches are for someone who is physically challenged. The individual no longer has to rely on another person to control the “clicks” of a mouse. We offer a wide variety of switches that meet the needs of many users.
EDB: Why would someone use one of these switches?
V: They would be used by someone who cannot operate a standard mouse or keyboard.
EDB: How do I connect a switch to the computer?
V: First you begin with a switch interface (the hardware) that connects to the computer. We offer wired and wireless interfaces. Deciding which switch and interface to use totally depends on the individual. I always ask customers; what is your goal? What are you trying to do with the computer? I need to know who the end user is and how they plan on using the computer and what kind of application/software, such as single switch access software. One thing to keep in mind is that 95% of switch interfaces only operate a mouse click or key stroke. They do not move the cursor around the desk top. With that being said, most interfaces are used in conjunction with single access software, which doesn’t rely on curser movement; it requires a keystroke or mouse click.
Below is an instructional video staring Vinny!
EDB: What is the difference between a computer ready switch and interactive mouse/wireless single mouse?
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V: The computer ready switches only work the left click (double click) of a mouse, you cannot move the curser. The Wireless Single Mouse can also be set for other mouse functions such as the right click, drag and scroll. The Interactive Mouse can only operate the left click; however the mouse functions are still available for both interfaces. Another person such as a therapist can control the mouse curser movement, and the individual can activate the switch to make a selection. This is a great tool to use for participation and non-switch friendly applications.
EDB: Which one would you recommend?
V: Every individual is unquie; it depends on the end user. The computer ready switches we carry are connected to an Ultimate, Sip and Puff, Pancake or Gumball switch. We also carry an adapter which you can plug your own switch into. I have seen that these are becoming more and more popular.
EDB: If a customer wants to be able to operate a mouse solely themselves, without the help of another person moving the direction of the mouse curser, what would your recommend?
V: We have three great options that I would recommend depending on the individual’s abilities. The SAM-Joystick, and SAM-Trackball, are reliable products if the person is able to operate the joystick or trackball.
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In my opinion, the best option we carry is the Hands Free Mouse. Your head movement moves the curser. It also has a feature called Dwell Clicking where the user holds the curser over an icon for a certain amount of time which is adjustable, and it will replicate the double click function. An additional switch is not necessary. However it does have support for up to 2 switches if you would like that option, such as having the head movement control the curser and sip and puff switch work the mouse click. You can basically run almost any computer program with this product; it is one of my favorites. It gives you full access to the computer.
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If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our Tech Expert! Vinny can be reach at customer_support@enablingdevices.com or call us at 1-800-832-8697.
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man" - George B Shaw.
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