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Visual Stimulation

The SwitchIt! Patterns software from Inclusive Technology in the UK, is a cleverly designed piece of software. It caters to young children and to users who require visual stimulation and cause-and-effect software. SwitchIt! Patterns is a comprehensive program which has a number of features that teachers and parents can select to customise and therefore cater to individual preferences.

The package is very easy to use. After launching SwitchIt! Patterns, you are greeted with an introductory screen with up-tempo music. You click the mouse once, and then can immediately begin "work" with the default settings. If you move the mouse to the top of the screen display, a 'menu bar' appears.

From this menu bar, you choose from ten different pattern types. You scroll the menu bar horizontally from left to right and click on the desired pattern. The "menu" icon takes you to a screen where you customise the program. The Game Options include:

• Complexity - a sliding scale (from 1-4) indicates how "busy" the pattern will appear onscreen.
• Colours - choose a pattern colour (from nine choices) and background colour (from nine choices).
• Debounce - how quickly the pattern will respond to the input, then appear and "move"
• Pre-acceptance Delay - the time between hitting the switch or clicking the mouse, and the software's reaction to your input
• Serial Switches - choose this option if you have switches connected via an interface box in your switch port (usually connected into COM2)
• IntelliKeys - when you choose this option, an automated process sends an overlay to the IntelliKeys with the two switch ports on the board programmed, ready to accept switch input.
• Patterns - choose one of ten patterns; select either "random" or "sequential" order of appearance.
• Reward - the reward can be an animated sequence or be a colour cycle, with visual appearance options including vivid, metallic, pastel or one colour.
• Speed - there are nine speed settings. The fastest is quite mesmerizing!
• Activities - you can set up the program so that the user receives an instant response with "1 step", or a response with a "pause", or promote more interaction with three or five steps to encourage greater effort. The "1 step" is ideal for switch training where you want the child to achieve every time.
• Sound - you can elect to have the sound on or off.
• OK - you have set all of the conditions and are ready to play again.
• Exit - this is where you quit and leave the program.
• Open/Save - you can save a setup by name (for individual users) and then open them at any time.

SwitchIt! Patterns is well designed, extremely flexible, full of handy features and value for money. It is an ideal package for switch users, younger children and for those who enjoy colour, sound and movement. It also caters to children who are either physically disabled and/or intellectually impaired.

NOTE: SwitchIt! Titles may be purchased as single, 5 user or as 10 user licence copies. The prices represent significant savings for multiple copies. This is ideal for schools, pre-school as well as early intervention centres. There is also a Network licence (Windows only).