These type of switches "are voice output devices, which are often used as a starting place to augment a nonverbal student's means of communication" (Let the Switch do the Talking). There are two types of "talking switches". There is "one that allows communicating only one thought or message, and one that allows sending a sequence of messages" (Let the Switch do the Talking). What I thought was interesting about this particular switch is how all students can get involved in utilizing the device. The student who uses the talking switch can deliver messages to others about how they feel, gain attention from others, and to interact in class lessons. In turn the students interacting with a student who uses the switch, will hear the messages and fully understand what the individual wants them to know.
Characteristics of Students who use the Technology.
A number of students with disabilities can benefit from the use of switches. These include students who are physically challenged, hearing impaired, and vision impaired, non-verbal. These are just the impairments I found in which the individuals who possess this impairment have benefitted from switch usage. Students who suffer from more than one of these and other impairments can also benefit from certain switches. Also I am sure that there are a number of switches that are in the making, which will provide assistance for students with many more disabilities. .
Through my research, I have found that the creators and manufactures of most of the switches used to assist students with disabilities, are designed in a way that they are discreet. These tools do not cause a major disruption to the classroom, they actually enhance the learning and learners in the classroom and school. They obviously assist the individuals using the switches, and they also expose their peers to the type of technology. The entire class is in turn, becomes knowledgeable with the type of technology, and they can be helpful for the disable child.
