Assistive Technology: Using Switch-Activated Toys and Devices for Preschool Children with Motor Impairments

Abstract

Many special education teachers have not received adequate training to make informed decisions when implementing assistive technology tools to enhance the learning of their special needs students. Yet, schools are mandated to provide special education students appropriate assistive technology interventions to support their learning needs. For this study, a web-based instructional module on using switch activated toys and devices for preschool children with motor impairments was developed to provide special educators a free on demand informational resource. The author tested the instructional module to study its effectiveness on empowering special educators to incorporate switch-activated toys and devices. The results and implications of this research should help to refine this module and lead to the development of future free on-demand modules for special educators in other areas of disabilities.