Pneumatic Switch Instructions
Y our Pneumatic Switch will activate adaptive devices using air . Almost any device including communication aids,
environmental controls, switch-adapted toys or computer access devices can be activated by the Pneumatic
Switch. Many people are familiar with certain types of pneumatic switches called Puff and Sip switches. These
operate by blowing or drawing air through a tube. Adaptivation’s Pneumatic Switch operates in the same way.
Instead of using a persons ability to control air flow, we have come up with some other creative ways to use the
Pneumatic Switch.
T o activate the Pneumatic Switch, simply attach a type of toy or object that when squeezed will give out a puff of
air. Then simply plug the switch into an adaptive device and squeeze to activate. Many types of squeeze toys are
available. These can be found in pet, baby or toy departments of many stores. Try to find appropriate toys for
individuals you have in mind. Using these squeeze toys will give the individual access to an actual object representing what will happen along with the switch. Objects can be more meaningful, easier to access and also more fun!
When looking for squeeze toys, try to find ones with a hole that will match the shaft of the Pneumatic Switch. This
will make attaching much easier. If you happen to find a toy with no hole, it is very easy to use a knife or scissors
to cut a hole for the Pneumatic Switch.
Adaptivation has also supplied some tubing and connectors to allow for even more applications. The tubing can be
used to give more length to an object, make connections easier for holes that are too big or to connect many
squeeze objects in a series. Connecting objects in a series will allow multiple objects to activate a series of messages, all through one switch. This setup works well with a communication device using sequential messaging like
Adaptivation’s Sequencer or VoicePal Levels.
Pneumatic Switch
1 Y ear Limited Warranty
Your Adaptivation Pneumatic Switch was carefully tested and inspected before it was shipped from the factory. We warrant
this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for one (1) year from the date
of purchase. In the event of a defect in materials or workmanship, we will either repair or replace without charge, at our option,
any part which in our judgement shows evidence of such defect within one (1) year of purchase.
This warranty does not apply if the Pneumatic Switch has been misused, abused, altered or tampered with. At the end of the
warranty period, Adaptivation shall be under no further obligation expressed or implied.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This is not a medical device. It should not be used where incorrect or faulty operation could reasonably be
expected to result in injury or worse!
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Squeeze and ReadSqueeze and Read
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Finding ways for individuals with disabilities to interact with books is an important component of any literacy program. Here is a fun and easy way to incorporate voice output
technology, a single switch and objects into reading.
Sequencer
Pneumatic (puff and sip) switch
Book and associated squeeze toy (i.e., the book Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra
Boynton and a purchased rubber hippo).
1. Message Selection: Read and become familiar with the book you intend to use and
decide on the message to be recorded. Here are some suggestions:
Record entire text for each page.
Paraphrase the text of each page.
Record repetitive line that appear on each page.
Record a single key word from each page.
Record music or a sound effect for each page.
Remember, messages must be recorded in the order in which you want them to play
back. Write down the message sequence and keep it as a reference.
2. Program the Sequencer:
a. Turn on the Sequencer by rotating the VOLUME/POWER knob to mid
position.
b. Slide the PLAY/RECORD switch to the REC 1 position. This will record
the series of messages into Level 1.
c. Press and hold the top of the Sequencer. Speak the message clearly.
When the message is complete, release. For best results, hold the
Sequencer approximately 12 inches from the sound source during
recording.
d. To record the next message, press and hold again, speak and release.
Continue to record in this manner until you have recorded all the messages
in the sequence.
To eliminate the clunk sound heard after each message, record messages using an
external switch.
3. Plug the pneumatic switch into the switch jack of the Sequencer. Attach the rubber
toy to the “puff” output of the switch. Many rubber toys already have a hole in them
or a squeaker that can be removed. If the toy being used does not have a hole, you
will need to poke one. If necessary, the toy can be secured to the switch with tape or
Velcro.
4. Open the book to the page associated with the first recorded text. Squeeze the toy to
activate the first recorded message. Each additional squeeze of the toy will advance
through the message sequence.
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1. A message such as “turn the page” could be recorded. In this case, the user must
listen and anticipate when to use the message. The same message would be used
throughout the activity .
2. There are books available with squeeze toys built into them. This is common in infant
books. If it is difficult to attach the pneumatic switch directly to the book, you can
attach rubber tubing to the squeeze toy in the book and the other end to the switch.
Pushing the squeeze toy will now activate the voice output device.
3. Multiple squeeze toys can be hooked together in a series. Rubber tubing and
aquarium T-connectors (you will need a connector for each object) are needed. A
section of tubing is attached to the switch. A T-connection is then attached to the
open end of the tubing. The object is attached to the top of the connector. For each
additional object, add a section of tubing and a T-connector.
4. Many containers can also be attached to the Pneumatic Switch and activated with a
squeeze. (i.e., chocolate syrup bottle, water bottle, pop bottle, liquid soap containers,
honey bears and squeeze jelly bottles)
1. The VoicePal Levels is capable of sequential messaging. This device has several
advantages.
a. Messages can be recorded in random order. This makes it easier to
record using a variety of voices, music and/or sound effects.
b. A message from the sequence can be changed without having to re-
record the entire sequence of the message.
c. A visual cue can accompany each message via the overlay.
d. A second switch can be added to allow the last activated message to be
repeated or go back to the previous message.
2. The Sequencer can be activated directly by pressing the top. This method of
activation may be preferable to using the external switch and object access.
3. The Pneumatic Switch can be used with any voice output device or environmental
control that allows external switch access. For example, you might attach the
chocolate syrup bottle to the switch and use it to activate the FreeHand controlling
the blender during a malt-making activity.
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