Bite and Hand Switches for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

For this project, we designed and built a custom mouth and button switch to assist a person with cerebral palsy in accessing and using electronic devices more easily. The goal was to create a solution that is both functional and comfortable, taking into account the individual's specific physical needs and range of motion. The mouth switch is designed to be activated with light pressure from the user's teeth or jaw, while the button switch is large, responsive, and easy to press with limited hand movement. This setup helps improve independence by enabling the user to interact with devices such as a communication aid, tablet, or adapted toy. The design focuses on comfort, reliability, and ease of use, tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs. Attached below are pictures and videos of our switches.

MakeyMakey

Copper Tape

Silicon Polymorph

Alligator Clip Wires (comes with Makey Makey kit)

Download

To apply the copper tape on the inside of the printout, what I found was easiest was to roll the tape just a little bit back on itself and stick that to the top or bottom of the inside, as shown. Once I had the start taped, I pushed and pulled the solid backing of the tape in order for it to go somewhat straight. If it doesn't go straight the first time, just apply another layer. The finished product should be a strip, or however many it took, of tape going from tab to tab on the inside. Make sure that the tabs also have tape on them.

Attach the wires to the tabs in the center. For the best button performance, make sure the alligator clips are only partially attached. Clip them just onto the side tabs—these tabs have tape on them, which helps improve how the button works.

Similar to the button-press switch, you can use copper tape in the same way by folding it slightly back on itself to make it easier to apply. For this version, the tape should fully cover the inner surface, as shown.

Follow the instructions for using the polymorph, and apply it to both the top and bottom surfaces. This helps create a more comfortable and secure grip in the mouth.

Attach the wires to the designated cutouts on the sides of the printout, ensuring they are securely connected. Once in place, connect the other ends of the wires to the Makey Makey as shown.