Ian Explains: Using Switches To Control Lights And Music

Hi, I’m Ian, Information Manager at Inclusive Technology.

I recently saw a brilliant example from The Coppice School in Preston. In the clip, a learner is using two switches. One switch turns on lights, and the other activates music.

It is a simple setup, but a very powerful one. Instead of someone else controlling the activity for them, the learner can make something happen. They can choose when to start, explore what each switch does, and take a more active role in the session.

In this guide, I’ll explain how this kind of setup works, what products can be used, and why it can be so useful for developing switch access, cause and effect, choice making and participation.

In the Coppice School clip, the learner is using two switches to control two different devices. One switch activates the lights, and the other activates music.

This gives the learner two clear outcomes to explore. They can begin to understand that each switch does something different, and that their action has a direct effect on the environment around them.

That is what makes this kind of activity so meaningful. It is not just about turning lights or music on. It is about giving the learner control, choice and a reason to take part.

To create this kind of activity, you need a device that sits between the switch and the product you want to control.

In the Coppice School example, they used an it-Click-On Plus. This is a mains appliance controller with two plug sockets and two switch inputs. You could also use an iClick device, like in our example. You plug the lights or music device into the it-Click-On Plus, then connect switches so the learner can control each socket.

The product you plug in needs to have a clear on/off state. In other words, it should turn on when power is supplied and turn off when power is removed. If the product needs an extra button pressing after the power comes on, it may not work in the same simple way.

The it-Click-On Plus can be used with wired switches that have a 3.5mm jack plug. It can also work with SimplyWorks wireless switches, such as the it-Switch, which can be useful if you want to reduce trailing wires or position the switch further away from the device.

In my demo, I’ve recreated the idea using sensory products from Inclusive Technology. Instead of using a stereo and lights, I’ve used products with clear visual feedback, such as the Disco Light Ball and Sensa Plasma Ball.

This makes the setup easy to see. The learner activates the switch, and something happens straight away. That immediate response can be helpful when supporting cause and effect understanding, because the link between the action and the outcome is clear.

You could use this kind of setup in sensory sessions, group activities, quiet places, cause and effect activities, or simply to give someone more control over something they enjoy.

There are two main product routes you could consider for this kind of activity: it-Click-On Plus and iClick.

The it-Click-On Plus is a good option if you want a straightforward switch-based setup for controlling mains-powered products. It has two plug sockets, accepts wired switches, and can also be used with compatible wireless switches.

It can be used in different modes. Direct control keeps the device on while the switch is held down. Latched control lets the user press once to turn the device on and press again to turn it off. Timed modes keep the device on for a set period before turning it off automatically.

You do not need to use every mode straight away. For many learners, starting with one switch and one clear response is enough.

The iClick offers a different route. It works with the free iClick App on an iPad, so appliances can be controlled from the app. This means the user may be able to activate the setup using direct touch, a switch, or even eye gaze when used with a compatible iPad eye gaze setup.

That can be helpful if someone already uses an iPad for access, or if you want a more visual way to control appliances.

We also have a separate comparison guide if you would like to look more closely at the differences between iClick and it-Click-On Plus.

The switch you choose should suit the person using it. Some learners may use a large button switch on a table. Others may need a light-touch switch, a switch positioned near the head or hand, or a wireless switch placed away from the device being controlled.

In the Coppice School clip, one of the switches is positioned using a Maxess Mounting System. This is important, because switch placement can make a big difference to how comfortably and reliably someone can access the activity.

A switch should be positioned around the learner’s movement, not the other way around. If a learner has to stretch, twist or work too hard to activate the switch, the setup may be less successful.

Mounting can help bring the switch into the right position and keep it stable during the activity.

This kind of setup can support a range of access, communication and learning skills.

For early switch users, it can support cause and effect. The learner presses a switch and sees or hears something happen. Over time, this can help them understand that their action can control part of the activity.

With two switches, there are also opportunities for choice making. One switch might activate lights, while another activates music or a different sensory effect. The learner can begin to explore different outcomes and show preferences.

It can also support turn taking and shared attention. In a group, one learner might control the lights while another controls music. Or a learner may take turns with a member of staff, waiting, watching and then activating their switch at the right moment.

Most importantly, it gives the learner a more active role. They are not just experiencing a sensory activity that someone else controls. They are helping to create it.

If you would like to create a similar setup but are not sure where to start, we can help.

I offer 1-1 product demonstrations where we can talk through what you are trying to achieve, who you are supporting, and which products may work best. That might include switches, mounting, it-Click-On Plus, iClick, sensory products, communication aids or other assistive technology.

You do not need to know exactly what you need before getting in touch. Sometimes the best starting point is simply explaining the person’s access needs, current challenges and goals.