Factors affecting the use of a single switch with assistive technology devices

Identifying consumers' motor ability for consistent and reliable control can be a difficult yet essential part of a single switch assessment. Current literature does not identify the essential components of a single switch evaluation. Therefore, the following focus group study was conducted. Six occupational therapists with experience in assistive technology service delivery participated in a focus group meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to identify essential components of a single switch evaluation in the single switch assistive technology assessment. Eleven items were identified as essential to the single switch assessment. They are: reliability of motor movements, volitional nature of movement, safety, movements that are easily performed, endurance, activities and positions the client assumes throughout the day and evening, efficiency of movement, previous successful movements, ability to perform timed response, ability to activate the access device within a given time frame, and time between switch closures. The significance of this study is that essential components of a single switch evaluation were identified. Using this detailed information should lead to optimal switch placement and switch use.