Technology in Religious Education: Part 2 - Medium Tech

Alright, so 'Medium Tech' is not a term.  But, for the sake of this blog, let's say it is.  There are many pieces of technology out there that aren't quite 'high tech' but that are worth mentioning as far as accessibility and accommodation goes.  In one short word - switches.

Various Switches

In the picture above, you can see many different types of switches.  There is a big red wireless switch (one that could communicate with an ipad - more on that in another post), a blue communication switch, a collection of big and mini wired switches, a puff switch for those who can't use their arms at all (it's the black one with the wire attached), and a head switch (the small white one).  Not featured in this picture, but also available on the market are wrist switches, foot switches and eye gaze switches.  While many of these switches you can buy for your congregation, the puff switch, head switch, and eye gaze switch would be brought in and used solely by the person with a disability (PwD).


Switch Activated Toys
For our littlest UU's, play is a big part of learning and growing spiritually.  But, sometimes a child is so severely impacted by their disability, it seems they can't play at all.  Luckily, there are switch activated toys, and switches we can attach to electronic toys (I even know someone who attached a switch to their Christmas tree lights!).

An off the shelf toddler radio.  The big
push buttons make it easily accessible
for children with motor difficulty.

This walking dog is attached to a
switch, that when pressed, completes a
circuit and activates the dog.

Augmented and Alternative Communication
Communication is so important, I'm highlighting an AAC technology at all three tiers.  In this post, I want to introduce you to communication switches.  There are several versions of these.  They can have one switch, two switches, or three switches.  And, one button can hold just one message, or several.  It all depends on the model, the needs of the child with a disability, and the lesson's requirements.

So, to give you an example, a toddler with a cognitive disability may only need one button with one message while she is in class.  That button could say "Hi, Friends" or "Help Me."  Whatever you, the parent, and the child's teacher feel is best.

The BIGmack communicator.  Records a single message
that is played back when the button is pressed.

Or, let's say you want to welcome the child into joys and sorrows.  So, before class each Sunday you connect with the child's parent - what was a joy or sorrow in the child's life this week?  Using the dual switch, you can record a greeting on one button, and the child's joy or sorrow on the other.  Then, when it is time to share joys and sorrows, the child with a disability can share!  This button also allows the child with a disability to make choices.

Dual switch communication buttons allow
children to say two things and make choices.

And, finally, let's say the lesson of the day calls for a song.  You can use one of the 'many message' communication switches to record different sections of the song.  Then, the child can 'sing' along with their peers.

Some buttons allow you to record many messages in a row.

Switch Activated Utensils
Switches can also be attached to some adaptive utensils to assist with art activities.  Featured here is a pair of switch activated, battery powered scissors.  And, a switch activated art spinner (for painting - think of the mandalas the child will create!).

Switch Activated Scissors.

Switch Activated Art Spinner.

You can purchase switches, switch activated toys, communication switches, and switch activated utensils at any of the retailers listed below.  Tell us if there is any medium tech offerings we forgot to cover.  List your suggestions in the comments!

• Enabling Devices
• Enable Mart
• Beyond Play
• Rehab Mart
• Able Net

In creative collaboration,

- Meredith Plummer