Switch Access Training: Music

"Switch Access Training with Music" is the app version of a switch-accessible cd or cassette tape player with a latch timer (that can be randomized). Such preferred reward systems can help to familiarize a student with cause-and-effect relationships, perhaps on the way to their using switch access for an augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC); in fact, that AAC might even be provided on the same sort of device on which the switch-access training occurred.

SATwM uses a playlist of audio files that you collect from your Media Library (which might include preferred songs, sound effects, conversations, and the like). Each file then plays back as a sequence of switch-activated clips (with a prominent count-up display). You choose the clip length that will play out before the switch needs to be triggered again, including any random variation in that timing. The Play/Pause switch can be the Play button, the entire Switchscreen, a switch installed with a wired or wireless interface (sending a 'space' or '1'), or a keyboard (similarly). Skip to the beginning of the next song with 'enter' or '2'.

Onscreen sliders control the volume, the position in the song (i.e., rewind and fast forward), and the playback rate (up to 3 times normal － without pitch bending － just for fun).

You can select themes (color sets) to more closely match a trainee's individual access profile, including a choice of the OpenDyslexic font. For the main screen, themes are restricted to those color sets that provide the best chance of optimizing perception, while the Switchscreen maximizes a whole range of complementary color and brightness contrasts.

Setup and other instructions are included.

Known Issues: Sometimes the media picker takes a few seconds to return you to the main screen after the "Done" button is tapped. (But not often.) Sometimes the "next song" dropdown selector does not cause the next song to change. (But not often.) And sometimes just the first installation or run of the app behaves strangely. (But not often.) Still trying to figure out why.