When working with learners who have physical disabilities or limited motor control, traditional methods of activating toys and sensory equipment might not always be suitable.

That’s where assistive technology comes in. In this post, we explore different creative and accessible ways to power switch adapted toys without needing to press a physical switch.

Switch adapted toys are mainstream toys that have been modified to work with an external switch. This enables users with physical disabilities to activate them with a single press of a switch, making play more accessible.

Popular choices include bubble machines, fans, musical toys and lights. They offer a great way to promote cause and effect understanding, engagement and sensory exploration.

The BIGmack is a simple communication device that plays a recorded message when pressed.

It also has a switch output socket, which means it can activate switch adapted toys. This is especially useful for learners who already use a BIGmack in their daily routine.

1. Record a message on the BIGmack.
2. Plug one end of the toy cable into the BIGmack’s toy socket.
3. Plug the other end into the toy’s switch input socket.
4. When the BIGmack is pressed, the toy activates while the message plays.

This setup works well in group activities, story time or one-to-one sessions. It encourages interaction and can support both communication and play. You could also achieve the same with the LITTLEmack, BIG Step-by-Step, Little Step-by-Step and iTalk2 with Levels, iTalk4 with Levels.

Like the BIGmack, the Smooth Talker with Levels also has a toy output. Record a message, plug in the toy cable and the toy will activate when the message plays.

For a wireless setup, you can connect the Smooth Talker with a SimplyWorks Toy Controller.

1. Connect your toy to a toy controller like it-Control or iClick.
2. Press the Pair button on the controller and the Pair LED will begin to flash slowly.
3. Press the Pair button on the Smooth Talker. The Pair LED on the toy controller will continue to flash slowly until pairing is complete at which point the Pair LED will light steadily for 5 seconds.
4. Record your message.

Now, the toy can be activated wirelessly each time the message is played.

AACtivity is another handy device that allows you to activate a toy through specific messages. When using the Record/Playback activity, you can assign a toy output to any message on any level. Once set, that message will trigger the toy for the full length of the recording when played back.

To do this, simply press the Activity button briefly while recording the message. That message will then turn on the toy output whenever it’s played. Other messages won’t trigger the toy unless you assign them in the same way.

In Music Scanning mode, the toy output is always activated during the cheer and playback, offering an extra reward. Other AACtivity modes don’t use the toy output feature.

For iPad based trackers, like our eyetuitive for iPadOS, we recommend using the iControl.

1. Plug the bubble machine into the iControl.
2. Pair the iControl to the iPad through the free iClick App.
3. Take a picture of the bubble machine on your iPad.
4. Import the picture into the iClick App. 
5. And look at the screen to activate the bubble machine.
6. For more details and videos, go to our Using eyetuitive to Control Battery-Operated Toys article.

For Windows based trackers, like our eyetuitive for Windows eye tracker, we recommend the Toy Control Box. By connecting to the PC via USB, it enables interaction through eye gaze or switch access, offering more ways for users to engage with their environment.

How to Connect:

1. Plug the Toy Control Box into your Windows PC. 
2. Plug the Toy Control Box into the bubble machine.  
3. Take a picture of the bubble machine. 
4. Import it into the included Toy Control Box software.  
5. And look at the screen to activate the bubble machine.
6. For more details and videos, go to our Using eyetuitive to Control Battery-Operated Toys article.

If you're not using eye gaze, you can still control toys from an iPad using the iControl switch interface.

This method is great for learners who enjoy using tablets and benefit from touch-based or visual controls.

For learners using a Windows PC with a mouse, rollerball or joystick, the Toy Control Box works well. It can be used with a standard USB mouse, rollerball or joystick. Simply connect it to the PC, plug the Toy Control Box into the toy. Take a picture of the toy, import it into the included Toy Control Box software and then use your mouse to activate the toy.

This is a particularly helpful option for learners who are already using computer-based access tools, as it extends their existing setup to play-based learning. The box is simple to set up and provides multiple activation modes, such as latching and timed, which adds more flexibility.

These ideas are especially helpful for:

• Learners with limited movement who can’t use standard switches.
• Eye gaze users who want more ways to play.
• Pupils who already use BIGmack or Smooth Talker devices.
• Children who enjoy sensory feedback like sounds or lights.

These setups are also useful in busy classrooms, therapy rooms or home settings where flexibility is key. They offer a more inclusive way to take part in play and learning.

• Choose toys with clear and immediate feedback such as lights, sounds or movement.
• Keep activities short and focused to maintain attention.
• Prepare learners with a simple cue or routine before starting.
• Offer choices where possible to build independence.
• Follow the learner’s lead and allow time for responses.
• Keep your setup consistent so the learner can build familiarity.
• Use visuals, sounds or gestures alongside technology for extra support.