Tuesday, October 20, 2026
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Workshop Summary:
Transform the educational experience for students with motor and cognitive challenges through this workshop. Bridging the gap between expensive commercial technology and low-cost “Maker” solutions, participants will master the full spectrum of adaptive switch integration.
The workshop begins by establishing a foundation in switch access, moving beyond simple cause-and-effect to complex areas of Reading, Writing, Math, and STEM. Attendees will digitize literacy materials, build and program a custom USB switch interface, and code inclusive games. By blending hardware fabrication, coding, and pedagogy, educators and therapists will transition from AT consumers to creators, gaining the skills to provide tailored accessibility solutions.
Lab fees for this workshop cover the cost of the materials used to allow participants to take their completed devices, two switches and an interface box.
Professional Development Credits:
IACET CEUs: 0.65
ACVREP CEs: 6.5
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this activity, participants will demonstrate the ability to construct and program a DIY switch interface device.
As a result of this activity, participants will plan to implement the use of computer-based activities to further develop switch access skills.
As a result of this activity, participants will code a simple block based video game using Microsoft’s MakeCode Arcade.
Presenter(s)
Registration Options:
| Description | Workshop Fee | Register |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Conference Registration: (Workshop included at no additional cost with 3-day conference registration) | $0 | |
| Tuesday-Only Workshop Registration | $375 | Workshop Only Registration |
Materials Fee:
In addition to the $375 fee, this workshop carries a $25 materials fee.Learn more About this Workshop
Presenter-provided Abstract:
In the landscape of special education, the adaptive switch serves as the ultimate equalizer, transforming a student from a passive observer into an active participant. However, the high cost of commercial assistive technology (AT) and a lack of technical training often create barriers to implementation. This workshop addresses these challenges by blending pedagogical theory with "Maker" culture, equipping participants with the skills to fabricate, program, and implement low-cost switch solutions across the academic spectrum.
The workshop begins by establishing a foundation in switch access, moving beyond simple cause-and-effect to complex areas of Reading, Writing, Math, and STEM. Participants will explore how switches can be utilized not just for play, but as a primary vehicle for literacy and scientific inquiry.
The core of the workshop is centered on three high-impact, hands-on projects:
Digital Literacy & Reading: Participants will design a switch-adapted interactive book using Microsoft PowerPoint and incorporating AI. This session focuses on utilizing "Trigger" animations and auditory cues to turn a standard presentation into a robust, accessible literacy tool that promotes independent "page-turning" and comprehension.
Hardware Fabrication (The Interface): In a shift toward hardware engineering, attendees will build their own USB Switch Interface using the Adafruit TRRS USB Trinkey.
Participants will learn basic circuit logic and use CircuitPython to program the microcontroller, effectively converting a inexpensive hardware component into a functional interface capable of translating switch clicks into keyboard commands.
Inclusive Gaming & STEM: The day concludes with an introduction to Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. Participants will apply computational thinking to code a "one-button" arcade game. This activity highlights the importance of "switch-friendly" game design, focusing on timing, scanning intervals, and hitbox adjustments to ensure leisure activities are inclusive for all students.
By the end of this session, participants will shift from being consumers of AT to creators of AT. They will leave with a physical interface they built themselves, a digital library of adapted materials, and the confidence to integrate these tools into play, literacy, and STEM-based learning environments. This workshop empowers educators to provide custom, high-quality access solutions that meet the unique motor and cognitive needs of their students without the burden of prohibitive costs.