What you should know when picking switches for adapted toys

Electrically Adapted / Enabled Toys for Handicapped Disabled Special Needs Children

Switches for adapted toys for handicapped special needs children

There are many types of switches to adapt toys for your special needs child. Some are shown here. There are also switches that can be activated by a child puffing on a tube, or bending a wand.

Each switch uses a mono 1/8" inch 3.5mm jack (female). Below are pictures for you to look at. These can be found at your local Radio Shack 2 for $2.00 or on line at Amazon.com. They cost less than $2.00 each.

The toy must be opened up to expose wiring from the battery area. If it is a simple toy that has one on/off switch, one of the wires from the battery terminal can be cut, and run through this jack. This is the easiest scenario. If you want to learn more about how to wire the toy or item you want modified click here.

You really need an Digital Multi Meter (A.K.A. DMM or Ohm meter) ohm meter to make sure you are soldering to the correct terminals of this jack.

This plug is installed into the toy or radio or massager. You will need Solder and a Soldering Iron to use this jack.

1/8 inch 3.5mm MONO CHASSIS JACK with solder tabs ($0.60)

This type of female adaptive switch jack shown below is used when you want to have a wire coming out of the toy or radio or massager to give the switch a place to plug into. This approach is helpful when the thing you want to adapt does not have a nice flat surface on it to mount the jack above.

3.5mm STEREO IN-LINE JACK

Special needs adaptive switch plug. You will need Solder and a Soldering Iron to use this jack.

NEUTRIK NYS226B 3.5mm MONO PLUG BLACK

Male Jack that comes from the adaptive switch

3.5 mm mono plug features machined brass construction and oversized solder terminals. The cable clamp is heavy duty to provide superior strain relief while the knurled handle provides a sure grip. • Connector type: 3.5 mm mono plug • Handle: Black Chrome • Plug: Gold • Cable Entry: 4 mm • Mfg. #NYS226B.

If you want to learn how to solder wires to your plug click here.

Microlite Switch

The Microlight Switch meets the needs of special needs students who have minimal strength or who activate switches with a feather-light touch. Manufactured by Tash.

The String Switch is ideal for students who have limited finger and hand mobility, as well as those with minimal strength. All it takes is a slight pull to activate the switch. Features a three-year warranty

2-way Series Adapter .

This series adapter requires the person to use both hands at once to active the toy / radio / tv. Note: it does not come with the two switches.