SwitchIt! Pictures
by Gerry Kennedy
Visual Stimulation Software
For PC Compatible and Macintosh Computers
SwitchIt! Pictures from Inclusive Technology
SwitchIt! Pictures is an ideal visual stimulation as well as a cause-and-effect software program. It can be purchased for MS Windows 95 running on a PC compatible computer or for Macintosh computers. It can be accessed using a mouse, switch, IntelliKeys or with a touch screen. It caters to a range of users. Users interact with items such as cars, flower pots, yachts, boats and other fun graphics. The program suits younger children as the orientation of the pictures caters predominantly to pre-school and junior primary students. Adults with intellectual disabilities will enjoy them too.
SwitchIt! Pictures is available on 3.5” disks. After the quick and fuss free installation, you launch the package to discover an inviting first screen. The menu system is quite elegant. Moving your pointer towards the top of the screen, a menu bar is revealed. From the items displayed, you select the Game Options screen or change the activity selection. The Menu Bar has two navigation arrows, left and right. You press on either to move the bar horizontally. The target areas are large and clearly illustrated, with teachers or parents setting up the program’s defaults.
The Game Options are very comprehensive and easy to access. Options include such things as input device, where you select direct access (mouse or touch screen), serial switch or IntelliKeys. You can set the debounce and pre-acceptance levels at any time. If you are using switches (either connected into your serial port or plugged into IntelliKeys), you set the activity to be a one step, three steps or five-step activity. This means the user will be immediately rewarded for success (one step or one step with a pause) or have to hit their device three to five times in order to see the reward. This caters to beginners as well as to more experienced users, who require practice with their device.
The background colour can be set nine different colours as can the pattern colour. The reward can be animated or be set to a colour-cycle effect. Settings include vivid, metallic, pastel and one colour options. These animation and colour effects really enhance the program and provide dozens of different display and reward options. The speed can be set to slow or fast, so users can respond to the reward animation or visual effect.
SwitchIt! Pictures include pictures of a yacht, car, dog, smiling face, telephone, fish, house, person and teapot. There are various levels of complexity in the outline image of the graphic. At the simplest level, the image is a silhouette; very dark and clear. As you increase the complexity, the lines of the drawings become thinner with increased detail. The drawings are cleverly drawn and users of all ages will quickly recognise and respond to them. The graphics can be set to appear randomly or in a sequence. This feature is very useful if you are introducing these images and comparing them to or matching them to pictographs (e.g. Picture Communication Symbols or COMPICS). Settings for individual users can be saved as well at any time.
SwitchIt! Pictures is a great sibling package to SwitchIt! Patterns. The programs both cater to users who are visually impaired. They are easy to use, motivating and invite the user to visually attend to the screen. Kindergartens and pre-schools will delight in using this software with their children, as students can begin to work with the computer with images that are large, well drawn and age appropriate. The software can be used in other classes with older students who have special needs. The package can be used successfully with adults who have intellectual disabilities, as the graphics are generic, depicting every day items. The five-user licence is definitely a great feature, as any centres will find this package invaluable in introducing computers to a range of users.
NOTE: SwitchIt! Titles may be purchased as single, 5 user or 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).