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For PC Compatible running Windows 95 or 98

This is a new switch program from Sensory Software in the UK. The Switch Connection includes a number of switch controlled games that can be used as fun activities or for introducing and/or developing switch training. The program is installed twice. You install from the CD ROM disk first, then validate your copy with a floppy disk. It is all clearly described the user guide and it only takes about 6 minutes to fully install. The program requires a Pentium based PC, with at least 16 MB RAM (32 would be preferable), a sound card and a CD-ROM drive. You will require 50MB of free space on your hard disk (with additional 22 MB if you choose to install the 'Mouse Button as Switch' feature). It will only run under MS Windows 95 or 98 (not the older Windows 3.1 or NT versions). It has a breadth of appeal and will prove to be appropriate and useful where a number of different needs and abilities need to be catered to in a school or adult centre. It is ideal for older teenage students!

Once installed, you simply click on The Switch Connection icon. To locate the program, you go to Start/ Programs / Sensory Software / The Switch Connection. It is always advisable to create a shortcut and place it on the desktop or in a folder for easy access. The documentation encourages users to play the games in 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution. This will run the program in a large window that will fill the entire screen. A good sound card is also advised for optimum sound and music quality.

After launching the program, you see a small window with six "panes", each representing a game. Three (3) drop down menus provide features that you need to setup before playing. The first provides the three input method options. You may elect to use the keyboard or switch(es) connected into COM 1 (the serial port at the back of your computer). The second option is COM 2 with the third providing access via a standard mouse, a "switched" mouse (one that has been modified with 2 switch jacks inserted either side) or for use with a Mouser. You could also use an IntelliKeys as well (with the board and/or switch ports programmed to be Space Bar and Enter keystrokes).

The second menu determines the number of switches. You can play alone or with a friend, peer sibling or parent. In 1 Switch Mode, the options will automatically scan. The user then presses his or her switch when the desired action is highlighted. In 2 Switch Mode, the left switch is used to select the action, with the other carrying it out.

The last menu is quite new to me. It determines the most appropriate or desired Video Mode. The programs will automatically try to select the best graphics drivers (i.e. specific programs that determine your video output standard and therefore quality) on your system. I ran this program on an ACER Notebook with a 12.1" active screen and it chose the "Optimum" setting. The manual suggests that the program will accurately choose the best option so you need not concern yourself with this setting unless your display is a concern!

One of the games, Balloons, has some additional user settings. You can access these once you are playing this game by pressing the [F8] key. To leave any program at any time, you press Alt-[F4] to return to the game menu. To re-start a game, you simply press [F2]. To completely exit from the entire program, press the escape key or Alt-[F4].

There are six games or switch activities. All of the games incorporate high quality colour graphics and fun noises and sound effects. The content ranges from elementary cause-and-effect style activities to very sophisticated games that promote concentration, timing and switch control.

This is an ideal program for young students who require a simple yet entertaining cause-and-effect activity. The aim is to press the second switch to "create" or introduce new balloons to the screen. They float on a colourful blue background (denoting the sky) and you burst or pop them with the first switch. This is an ideal activity for counting, adding and taking away. It can also be used for visual scanning, anticipation and switch control. The visual and auditory cues are well chosen and the music is soothing. By pressing [F8] you can elect to play samples, have loud 'bangs' or have Total Destruction! These also have keyboard equivalents for these menu options. A maximum of 12 balloons can be on the screen at any time. Balloons are coloured in primary colours (e.g. red, green, orange, and blue). Two students can play as the Mouse buttons together with Space Bar and Enter keys are active at the same time.

This delightful activity introduces a 'computer' pet called Lobo. Lobo makes silly fun noises and has a range of movements. One r two players can interact with him. As it is large, this activity caters to children who are vision impaired. As the character is generic, it will appeal to a range of users and ages. He yawns, stretches, smiles, blows raspberries, yodels and performs a number of humorous antics.

This is a more sophisticated version. It helps users learn scanning and selection. Designed as a 'platform game', it will appeal to a range of users. Lobo leaps on and off platforms and collects jewels to score. As Lobo moves, music is played. There are four increasing levels of difficulty. The first two levels cater to users who are vision impaired. Level One involves moving Lobo left and right. The right switch (or mouse button) changes direction. The left makes him move (with music playing). In Level Two, it introduces 'up' and in Level 3, 'down', in Level 4 it requires all movements. It therefore becomes more complex and sophisticated strategies are required as you progress through levels. You can move up a level by either pressing the escape key, or achieving a high score (e.g. 20 in Level 1). This activity is an ideal game for siblings and peers as it is so typical of arcade style games (e.g. Super Mario) but on an easier and more basic premise. Lobo keeps moving or jumping while the switch is held down, and stops when the switch is released. He moves in the direction highlighted by the scan arrow.

Switch Solitaire is quite a demanding game! You remove marbles from the solitaire board by leapfrogging other marbles. When you have only one marble remaining, you win the game. With one switch, you need to use the switch press to move the marble highlighter in the direction indicated by the scan. You can have multiple switch presses to move across the board (in a given direction). The Autoscan is set to 2 seconds (which can be changed). If you have selected two switches, you use one to change direction and the other to move the marble highlighter in the direction chosen. There is a set of instructions that can be viewed and read at any time. This is a wonderful strategy game that can be played alone or with a friend/family member or schoolmate. It involves planning, strategy and patience. It is ideal for older students and adults.

The favourite game from the past re-emerges in a switch capable format! You are in the space ship with invaders moving above you I two rows. They fire upon you as you move left and right to avoid them, whilst firing upon them in order to win points and avoid destruction. There are three (3) levels of increasing difficulty. In the 2 Switch version, you move the missile base back and forth across the screen. The second switch fires your missiles. In One-Switch Invaders, the switch fires missiles and halts the missile base. It is very useful for developing skills in timing and forming strategies and tactics. It is another motivating, age appropriate and enjoyable activity for older students as well as being suitable for adults.

A typical "fight" game with lots of Kung Fu style karate. An age appropriate activity for children (or adults) who wish to emulate their peers with an action packed game of high kicking. The visual and auditory quality is outstanding, with high quality graphics, realistic characters and captivating music and sounds. Great to relieve tension and pent up feelings! With 2 switches, you use one to walk forwards, the other to kick. Timing is crucial and the game is quite challenging! Using a single switch, the user moves the man and makes him kick with one switch. If he is hit, he stops. You then need to press the switch again to move him forward. This activity will be a big success with adolescents who often miss out on these games.