Learners Creating Switches & Switch Activated Toys to Support Other Learners

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The students in the Computer Integrated Engineering Design (CEID) class at the Academies of Loudoun took on the challenge of designing and creating a variety of switches and toys activated by switches used by students with disabilities. A multidisciplinary team of educators worked in pairs to provide feedback on the designs. The students in the CEID class corresponded with the professionals to gather insights into desired aspects of the design of the devices. Then they developed prototypes and sent them to the supporting educator teams who invited students with disabilities to give feedback on the usefulness of the draft products. The student designers then made adjustments based on user feedback to improve the next iteration of switches and switch activated toys. This authentic learning experience resulted in the creation of sophisticated, functional tools used by students with and without disabilities to interact with toys, appliances, and other learning devices. The class was led by the Technology Resource Teacher, Amy Santos, and supported by the Makerspace Teacher, Josh Ajima. If you’d like to learn more about the project or if you’d like to implement something similar with learners you support, please contact the Assistive Technology Specialist, Chris Bugaj. 

A special thanks goes out to the educators who worked to support all the learners involved in this project including all of the following: 

  • Crystal Kick-Krisko, Occupational Therapist – Kenneth W. Culbert Elementary
  • Deborah Schwind, Occupational Therapist – Cedar Lane Elementary
  • Melissa Slusar, Former Resource Teacher – Cedar Lane Elementary
  • Emily Davis, Resource Teacher – Elaine E. Thompson Elementary
  • Katherine Rainier, Physical Education Teacher – Pinebrook Elementary
  • Leslie Hudson, Resource Teacher – Liberty Elementary
  • Jordan Wilner, Hearing Itinerant – Woodgrove High School
  • Katie Robertson, Specialist Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology
  • Joyce Sharp, Specialist Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology
    A screenshot of 3D printer software with a part ready to be printed.

    A screenshot of 3D printer software with a part ready to be printed.

    The hands of two teenagers working together to solder a piece of a switch. One holds the solder while the other holds the soldering iron.

    Two learners work together to solder wires on a component of a switch.

    Two teens solder a component of a switch. One holds the solder. The other holds the soldering iron. They work at a table surrounded by various parts, small containers, and tools. The table has a mat that is a grid of one inch squares. The edge of the mat is a ruler.

    Two learners solder a component of a switch on a makerspace work table.

    The hands of a teenager holding a 3D printed blue, octagonal switch plate. The surface is textured with a patterns of ridges. There are two holes for screws. One the table, below the switch, is a 3d printed, green, octagonal base with holes for screws that line up with the holes of the switch plate. A black component with a wire coming from it is glued to the base. The wire runs from the component, to a hole in the base. The wire is tied in a knot so, if pulled, will not come through the hole.

    The plate of a switch and the internal components in the base. Note the ridges on the surface to provide a unique texture.

    Two adult hand-sized, tactile switches placed on a wooden surface. The switch on the left is yellow and shaped like an octagon with a textured surface and two visible screws. The switch on the right is purple and yellow, shaped like a star, also with a textured surface and two visible screws. Both switches have cables connected to them. These switches are used as assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities to interact with electronic devices.

    Two prototypes for switches. Notice the different colors, shapes, and textures.

    A technical drawing of a cubic device with various views and features labeled. The cube has dimensions of 84mm x 84mm x 84mm. The drawing includes six views of the cube:1. **Speaker View**: Shows the side with a circular speaker. 2. **Gears View**: Shows the side with interlocking gears. 3. **Texture 2 View**: Displays the side with a faceted geometric pattern. 4. **Bottom View**: Displays a plain side of the cube. 5. **Buttons + Power Switch View**: Shows the side with three rectangular buttons and a power switch. 6. **Texture 1 View**: Displays the side with a wavy pattern. An isometric view of the cube, showing the textured, button, and gear sides, is also included. The bottom of the drawing includes a title block with information such as the names Hirthik M., Adithya S., and David M., and the overall dimension is noted as 84mm³. The initials "AS" are marked on the drawing.

    Design sketches for a cube speaker

    This image shows a black plastic device with two interlocking gears mounted on a wooden surface. The larger gear is on the left, and the smaller gear is on the right. Each gear has a central bearing, and the larger gear has five spokes, while the smaller gear has a single spoke connecting to an arm. The device appears to be a mechanical assembly, used for educational or experimental purposes to demonstrate gear mechanics.

    The gears of a speaker box

    A black box-like device with a textured wavy pattern on the top surface and a faceted geometric design on the sides. On the front of the box, there are four rectangular buttons in different colors: red, yellow, green, and another red button. There are also two visible screws on the front panel. The device appears to be an electronic control box, used for educational, experimental, or assistive technology purposes.

    A 3D printed button activated speaker

    Approximately 24 teenage students standing on stairs smiling at the camera. They are all wearing blue shirts.

    The Makers!

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