Exploring the 7SSD Switch Developmental Framework

At CENMAC, we are always on the lookout for innovative tools and resources to support our students. One such resource we are excited to trial is the Seven Stages of Switch Development (7SSD) Framework, developed by Luke Thompson, an occupational therapist specialising in assistive technology (AT) for children and families. This framework is uniquely designed for children and switch-users, their families, and those who closely support them. Built on active user research, the 7SSD ensures that the framework and resources are as closely tethered to end users as possible. It also includes a social stories series the ‘switch heroes’, with the most delightful characters! 

Understanding Switches 

Switches are alternative access devices designed for individuals with disabilities who cannot engage with the world in a typical way. These simple devices (most common being like a big red button) produce a response when acted upon, becoming the user’s voice, hands, and feet. On a basic level, switches can activate a toy, while at the other end of the spectrum, they have been used by individuals like Stephen Hawking for public speaking and writing acclaimed scientific literature. 

Trialling 7SSD and Switch Heroes at CENMAC 

We are currently trialling the 7SSD and Switch Heroes resources at CENMAC to determine how best to use them with the students we support. Alongside the several sets of books we have purchased, we will also provide additional switch training to the schools we work with. This includes practical, hands-on experience with our assessment kit and access to a range of resources. 

Addressing Communication Challenges with Switch Profiles 

One of the challenges in supporting switch-users is ensuring consistent communication about switch placement, activities, and other factors. Often, the individuals working directly with the switch-user are very busy and have many responsibilities, leading to reliance on a small number of people to pass on information. Additionally, students who change locations may experience variations in their switch interventions, with little understanding of previous interventions used. 

To address these challenges, Luke Thompson has created a switch profile that helps everyone working with a switch-user quickly see their setup, switch site, ideal posture support, list of common switch activities, and more. This profile can also serve as a record or passport of switch interventions used with the user and works in conjunction with the switch assessment tool. 

> Learn more here

Switch Heroes by Jiao

Your Feedback is Welcome

We hope you find this resource helpful in supporting these fabulous children, young people, and adults in using this transformative technology. Is there something missing from the profile you would add or a section you think is unnecessary? Your feedback, suggestions, and comments are warmly welcomed and wanted!

If you would like to find out more about switching and how this work links nicely with resources already on our website, follow this link to Develop Switch Skills.