Inclusive Insights - Ideas, Inspiration and Practical Guidance

At Holly Grove School in Burnley, switch adapted toys from Inclusive Technology have become a familiar part of everyday learning.

A communication aid is usually thought of as a way to play a recorded message, make a choice or join in with a conversation. But some communication aids can also do something extra useful: they can activate a switch-adapted toy.

For many learners, play is where learning begins. It is where they discover what they enjoy, practise new movements, share attention with others and begin to understand that their actions can make something happen.

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.

Eye gaze technology is opening up exciting new ways for individuals with physical disabilities to interact with their environment. One of the most fun and engaging ways to use eye tracking, is to control battery-operated toys.

Switch users need a wide range of learning materials to help develop their skills. These materials can also be used with a plasma screen or whiteboard, touch monitor or mouse.