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.

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.

September often brings new routines, new rooms, new staff and new support teams. For schools, therapists and families, it can also be the point where access needs become clearer again.

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.

Refreshing sensory provision does not always mean starting again. You may already have a sensory room, calming corner or cupboard of sensory resources that works well, but needs refreshing.

If you’re new to assistive technology, switches can be one of the best places to start. They can also be one of the most confusing.

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.

Communication does not always need to start with something high-tech or complicated.

Often, the most meaningful communication moments come from simple tools used in familiar everyday routines.

Choosing the right mounting solution can feel like a challenge, especially when different users, devices and environments all need something slightly different.