Fascinating stuff! I must admit the idea of resting your head on the step
switch had never occurred to me either because often holding the step switch
down causes the scanner to move and we're then back to a timing issue
(albeit removing your head from the switch to stop the scan, rather than
pressing on it), but it would seem to offer a good alternative for many
drivers. And it sounds as though there should be the option in the system to
either have the scan move on when the switch is held down, or not, so that
each step requires another switch press.

Seems to me postural deformity or physical damage is an area that requires
investigation not only for switch users but for anyone who uses control
technology (speaking as someone with a permanent sore right wrist from
typing) - there is at least one well known AAC user who experiences severe
pain which may be as a result of using head-controlled direct access. A
project for/with our medical colleagues? 

Richard mentions switch access info on our web site - there's:

The Special Access Technology book (1998), which has chapters on switches
and scanning at
http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/About_CALL/Publications_CAA/Books_CAB/S
AT_CAC/sat_cac.html 

Interactive scanning tutorials created by Patrick Poon, to go with the book,
at: http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/sat_interactive/home.htm 





__________________________________
Paul D. Nisbet CEng MIET
Senior Research Fellow / Joint Coordinator
CALL Centre, University of Edinburgh
Paterson's Land, Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8AQ
[log in to unmask] 
Tel 0131 651 6236
http://callcentrescotland.org 
__________________________________
 

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard Walter
Sent: 24 June 2006 11:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Step Scanning with Head Switches

Yes
Linda Burkhart works with people with more cognitive difficulties 
(although they are still more able than most of the pupils I have daily 
contact with).

Although some of her techniques could be used to develop and teach 
scanning skills (and the skills certainly do need to be taught), and her 
approach is excellent

And I think you are right to highlight the different operations in 
scanning between different devices: scanning communication aids, and 
scanning wheelchair drives.

Paul Nisbet from the Edinburgh call centre 
(http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/) has written some stuff on switch 
scanning,
as has David Colven from the Ace centre.
There was also a very interesting article by Colin Clayton (I think) 
looking at some of  pre-requisite skills required for
successful scanning to effectively access assistive technology.

Richard Walter
Meldreth Manor School