Introduction: Assistive Tech: Button and Mouth Switch Makey Makey Controller for Cerebral Palsy

For this project, we were tasked with creating computer-accessible switches for a student with spastic cerebral palsy. The student has full control of their mouth, breath, and neck, but all other movements are jerky and difficult to control. While designing the switches, we had to consider both accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Button Switch Video

Bite Switch Video



Supplies

Bite Switch:

1 Clothes Pin

1 Makey Makey (Alligator Clips included)

1 roll Copper Tape

1 roll Duck Tape

1 Rubber Bands

1 pair Wire strippers

Button Switch:

1 roll Copper Tape

4-8 Rubber Bands

1 Makey Makey (Alligator Clips included)

1 pair Wire strippers

Step 1: Take Apart the Clothespin

Separate wooden sides from the metal spring

Keep all pieces

For mouth switch

Step 2: Prepare the Wires

Strip 1/2 in off each wire using the wire stripper tool

For mouth switch


Step 3: Attach Wires With Copper Tape

Fray out stripped wire on the inside of the clothespin and cover with copper tape

Repeat for both sides

For mouth switch

Step 4: Cover With Duct Tape

Route excess unstripped wire on the side of the clothespin cover with duct tape. Leave the copper tape section uncovered

For mouth switch

Step 5: Reassemble the Clothespin

Reattach both completed sides of the clothespin to the metal spring

For mouth switch

Step 6: Secure With Rubber Band

Wrap center of the clothespin with a rubber band

For mouth switch

Step 7: 3D Print the Switch Housing

Start Button Switch

See STL files attached below

Attachments

Step 8: Prepare Wire

Strip 2-3 in off each wire using the wire stripper tool

For button switch

Step 9: Apply Copper Tape to the Inside

Fray wire and attach to 3D printed base with copper tape. Cover the surface area of the button and the top with copper tape

For button switch

Step 10: Add Rubber Bands for Tension

Add adequate attention for participants' needs

For button switch