CBeebies has a range of games and stories which are 'switch' accessible, for those children who cannot use a keyboard or a mouse.
'Switches' are specialised items of hardware, which can be plugged into computers instead of the mouse. They enable children whose motor disabilities prevent them using a mouse to access the computer. You have the option to use one or two switches and the switches use "scanning", which allows your child choose items on the screen.
Some CBeebies games and stories can be played with just the spacebar, e.g. 'Peek a Boo'. These can be played straight away with a switch and a switch interface. All you need to do is set the switch interface so that when you press your switch, the computer thinks that the space bar is being pressed. This is very easy to do, but differs between switch interfaces.
"Scanning" with one or two switches: However, many games are more complicated, and ask you to make a choice from a number of buttons. These games are OK for mouse users, but not so for a child with one switch!
One-switch scanning: The items to choose between are highlighted in turn by the computer and your child presses his or her switch when the one s/he wants lights up. You can usually set the speed at which this runs. To make a game work with a single switch, you just need to set your switch interface so that the computer thinks the space-bar is being pressed.
Two-switch scanning: You press the first switch to move the highlighter between the items to be selected. You press the second switch when the one you want is highlighted. Two switch scanning is easier on the brain, so if your child can manage two switches, it is recommended. To make the game work with two switches, the switch interface should be set up so that the first switch acts like the space-bar, and second switch acts like the Return (or Enter) key on the keyboard.
Using the keyboard with switch-accessible games: If your child has difficulty with the mouse, but can hit the space bar and/or the Return (or Enter) key reliably, then you may find that the best solution is to use these "switch accessible" games with these keys rather than with switches. Gaining familiarity with the keyboard is always a good idea and may help your child to advance their keyboard skills.
We hope that this will provide much-needed content for these children who are all too often excluded from 'mainstream' activities. We also hope that by putting content like this on a site such as CBeebies, we will raise awareness with all children.
