Tap Here!

Tap Here is one of a range of programs that have been developed for switch users. It provides a range of single switch activities from just pressing the switch to get a sound and animation reward, to activities that involve timing and/or scanning skills.

The switch(es) can be connected to the serial port or can be activated by a mouse click or by keyboard presses.

These packages have been produced with a focus on children with profound and multiple learning difficulties. However, you should find them to be useful with adults too!

Some possible uses:

Educational
Having the facility to control and manipulate graphic displays enables a range of educational issues to be supported and addressed. Instigation of on-screen animation can assist in the development of cause and effect. Likewise, the flexibility provided in the software enables early scanning activities to be developed. These scanning skills can be linked to matching and discrimination activities. When the software is controlled by switches, the user's skills in operating these can be enhanced which, in turn could lead to more sophisticated use of these access devices. Being able to add appropriate, accompanying sounds provides clues and enables greater understanding about the environment.

Assessment
Tap Here provides an opportunity for assessing and developing visual memory, scanning and discrimination skills. The Ball activities enable visual tracking to be assessed, whereas the Clown in New York enables visual attention and reactions to be assessed. The latter can also be easily reconfigured to assess an individual's discrimination skills when presented with an item on a visually complex background. The matching activities also assist with assessment of visual discrimination.

Just for fun
By varying the images and sound Tap Here can be used just for fun purposes e.g. what will happen next?