Getting Access Ready: An Access Skills Workshop Series 1

ABOUT:

This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to build confidence and skills in using switches to support communication, learning, and participation.

Participants will build knowledge of assistive technology for switch access and learn how to set up meaningful, motivating switch activities that match a learner’s abilities and support skill progression over time.

The session combines short teaching segments with guided discussion and hands-on exploration. This workshop is highly practical, with a strong focus on real-world application and strategies you can use immediately in your setting.

This is a series of training sessions targetting access for Communication, Learning and Participation. You will need to purchase a ticket for each individual in-person training to attend. 

1. Getting Switched On: Building Switch Skills for Communication, Learning and Participation - Tues 14th July 2026
2. Getting Eye to Eye: Building Eye Gaze Skills for Communication, Learning and Participation - Thurs 8th October 2026
3. Getting in Touch: Building Touchscreen Skills for Communication, Learning and Participation - Wed 27th January 2027

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This workshop is suitable for occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and teachers supporting children and adults who require alternative access methods.

It is appropriate for all skill levels, particularly those who:

• Have a good understanding of functional goals and student or client needs
• Have some theoretical knowledge of switches but limited opportunities to use in practice
• Want to build confidence in practical setup, teaching, and progression of switch skills

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify key switch features and apply feature matching principles to select appropriate access solutions
• Apply positioning and mounting principles to support accurate and consistent switch use
• Use a switch skill development framework to identify current ability and plan next steps
• Design and set up motivating and meaningful switch activities matched to skill level
• Use simple methods to observe and interpret performance to guide progression
• Identify and troubleshoot common barriers to successful switch use
• Apply effective adult support strategies to build independence and reduce over-support
• Collaborate with team members to support consistent and generalised switch use across environments