Clicker 5 has some switch access options, but unlike Clicker 4, is not
able to send to any other software and in some respects, it almost seems
like they have added the switch access in Clicker 5 as an after thought,
because there are certain things that are not obvious or available.

For all of the programs mentioned by Andrew, there are quite a few
pre-made grids available, either with the software and/or online.  SAW
has a freely downloadable version and if you contact Sensory Software,
they will send you a trial copy of the Grid 2 (60 day's I think).

If you've got some time on your hands, its also possible to do some
simple scanning activities in PowerPoint.

Andy Banns
 
Technical Administrator
 
Hollinwood Business Centre
Albert Street
Hollinwood
Oldham
OL8 3QL
 
Tel:  0161 684 2333
Fax: 0161 684 2334
 
www.ace-north.org.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Macdonald, Andrew
Sent: 17 April 2008 15:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Switch Access Software [Spam score: 8%][This is OK]

A number of predefined grids are available for SAW5, including a range
of grids that can be downloaded from the ACE  website.  As SAW5 gives
you alot of control, you can always create your own.  The grid cells
don't have to be in a regular  row-column array which makes it very
flexible.  There are a good number of predefined scripts that can be
easily  associated with a given cell.  There are wizards which simplify
some actions, like creating a new grid and appending  scripts to cells.
If you need word prediction SAW5 can be used with some 3rd party
prediction programs including  Penfriend (I haven't used these together
yet).  SAW5 is free.  

The Grid2 has a good range of attractive, predefined grids for
controlling standard applications which may meet your  user's needs more
or less "out of the box" which could save a lot of time.  It's also
straight forward to create your own  or to customise existing grids.
The grid explorer, graphical representation of the grid hierarchy is a
useful tool for more complex designs.  It comes with its own word
prediction.

If you need many of the grids that come with The Grid 2 then it is a
good option.  Also, as you are paying for the  product, you can get
phone support if you have problems.  If you need fewer grids, or need to
create grids from scratch then SAW5 may be a better option provided that
it supports your switch interface and you are happy to support and
maintain the grids and application (rather than getting someone local to
take this on).

As Andy posted, it does depend what you want to do.  

For example, I recently used SAW5 to create grids for single switch
access to some single switch games (in conjuction with  AutoItV3), music
tracks and photographs.  SAW5 was fine for this while The Grid2 would
have been overkill.

(Other programs include Clicker 5 and EZKeys.)

Andrew Macdonald CEng MIET
Clinical Engineer
Regional Medical Physics Department
Newcastle General Hospital
Westgate Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 6BE 

Tel 0191 2336161 Ext 22192
mailto:[log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Alastair Veal
Sent: 17 April 2008 14:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Switch Access Software


Dear All,

Does anyone have any thoughts about the different switch access
software, such as SAW and Grid 2.  I would be grateful for any input as
to their relative merits, or any alternatives that you could
recommended.  Also does anyone know which is the most common switch
access software?

Thanks


Alastair Veal
Assistive Technology Adviser
West London Assessment Centre
Brunel University