Tar Heel Reader

Students can use 1, 2 or even 3 switches to access books on Tar Heel Reader. In order to use switches on Tar Heel Reader, a computer switch interface is needed. You can read more about Switch Interface Devices by clicking here.

Use 1 Switch to Access Tar Heel Reader

When using 1 switch, the student will only be able to have access to 1 function, i.e. paging forward through a book. The student will need help to do other functions, such as going back a page in a book, or to select a new book from the bookshelf. When possible, it may be easier to use 2-3 switches.

There are 3 options for using 1 switch. You can plug your switch into the port on the computer interface that has one of the following key equivalents.

1. Space key Student can use the switch to go forward through the book. They can also use the switch to move through the choices on the favorites page, finished book page, and the rating page, but they will need assistance to select something.
2. Right arrow key This option does the same thing as option 1.
3. Mouse click When using the switch as a mouse click, the cursor needs to be positioned on what needs to be clicked. On any of the pages where the student makes choices, the partner can do “partner assisted scanning,” by moving the cursor to each choice and the student can use their switch to click/select to make a choice. When the student is reading a book, the cursor can be placed over the Next Page button. Each switch activation advances to the next page of the book.

Use 2 Switches to Access Tar Heel Reader: Modified 2-Switch Scanning

In order to maintain the simplicity of Tar Heel Reader, a partial scanning system has been used which combines switch scanning and directional use of the 2 switches. Traditional 2 switch scanning is used on the 3 different choice making pages where the student can choose a book, choose what to do at the end of the book, and rate the book. On the choice making pages, the student uses one switch (the “mover” switch) to move through the choices, and a second switch (the “picker” switch) to pick a choice. The functions of these 2 switches change when the student is reading an actual book. The mover switch changes into a “go to the next page” switch, allowing the student to move forward through the book. The picker switch changes into a “go back a page” switch.

There are 2 options for using 2 switches. You can plug your switches into the ports on the computer interface that have the following key equivalents. The functions of the switches have been included below.

*These same key equivalents can be used to page forward and page backward in a book that has been downloaded into Power Point.

Use 3 Switches: Directional Scanning

Accessing Tar Heel Reader with directional 3-switch scanning has been included to offer an alternative to 2-switch scanning. With 3 switches, one switch moves forward, the second switch moves back and the third switch makes a selection. This type of switch setup can be used with students who may not be typical switch users, such as students with Down syndrome or autism, or students who have some hand use but not enough to use a mouse or a Touch Window. Using 3 switches may also be a good option if an IntelliKeys is not available. The three switches can simply be mounted onto a table. (When Velcro does not work, many teachers have used duct tape or packing tape to tape down the switches and the wires.)

There is 1 option for using 3 switches. You can plug your switches into the ports on the computer interface that have the following key equivalents. When using the plug and play USB switch interfaces, all of these key equivalents are available in the same row. The functions of the switches have been included below.

*These same key equivalents can be used to page forward and page backward in a book that has been downloaded into Power Point.

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