Life's a switch. Experiences in NSF undergraduate design projects

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Engineering Education
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Assistive switches are crucial for enabling individuals with disabilities to interact with their environment.
• High costs of commercially available assistive switches limit accessibility for many users.
• Developing low-cost alternatives is essential for promoting independence and participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and disseminate a manual, "Life's a Switch," for creating affordable assistive switches.
• To empower families and educators with the skills to build custom assistive devices.
• To raise awareness about cost-effective assistive technology solutions.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "Life's a Switch" manual detailing the construction of assistive switches.
• Creation of a workshop curriculum to teach manual skills.
• Distribution of tool and component kits for hands-on learning.

Main Results:

• The manual provides instructions for building various assistive switches at an average cost of $10.00.
• Initial workshops successfully trained participants in constructing their own devices.
• The project demonstrated a significant cost reduction compared to commercial options.

Conclusions:

• The
• Life's a Switch
• project successfully offers a practical and affordable solution for assistive switch needs.
• Empowering users to create their own assistive technology enhances independence and educational opportunities.
• Continued workshops and manual refinement will further broaden access to affordable assistive devices.