Inside Ben's Two-Switch Setup | Hardware and Apps for Assistive Technology

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What Ben uses to communicate, play games, and more

We've been getting so much wonderful support for Ben's journey back to communication and the independence he's gained being able to use his own computer. A lot of families and clinicians have been reaching out asking about the hardware and application Ben uses, so we put together this guide to walk you through how we were able to do it.

Let's Go Back a Little: Ben's Journey Back to Communication

Before TUBB4A related leukodystrophy - H-ABC (Hypomyelination with Atrophy of the Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum) took Ben's ability to walk and talk and do the things he loved, he was a gamer, a jokester, and someone who had no interest in small talk. He went through traditional schooling, learned to read and write, and was able to speak. Then, gradually, his disease took those abilities away.

Ben is 30 years old now. For roughly a decade, he went without a reliable way to communicate or access the things that brought him joy. That is a long time to be locked out of your own world.

Ben is fully aware of everything around him. His condition affects how his brain sends signals, which means it can take longer to type and find the words he wants to say. But the ability to read, write, and communicate was never gone. It was just out of reach. When Ben moved in with us (Ari and Nancy) in 2022, we focused on his health first, then access. We tried numerous communication methods, eye tracking, head tracking, and various software options. Ben has nystagmus, low vision, and limited fine motor control, and he cannot use mouth, breath, or EEG-based equipment. Most of what existed simply didn't fit.

A small foundation called Speak Your Mind coded a simple phrase board using switches, since Ben's most reliable movement was turning his head to the left and right. Funny sayings and sound clips from his favorite shows got him engaged and more willing to try. But Ben needed more. His motivation was never small talk. He wanted to play games and control his own TV. Once we understood that, everything changed.

Ari, Ben's older brother, is not a programmer or an AAC expert. He taught himself to build apps using AI, something called vibecoding, and created custom software that allows Ben to use just two switches to navigate a computer, send messages, play games, and watch the shows he loves. As Ben's condition changes, the software can change with him.

We want to be honest with families who find this: we did not teach Ben how to communicate. We did not give him a miracle app. He already had the skills and once the voice. He just needed access. What took time was finding the right fit, and refusing to stop until we did. Ben types his own messages now. He makes his own choices about what to play, what to watch, and what to say. He is one of the oldest known individuals living with H-ABC, and watching him come back to himself has been the heart of everything we do. 

The goal was never to put him in a box. It was to build something that could grow and change with him.

Ben's Journey BACK to Communication

We worked with Ben for years to find out what his abilities, needs, and interests were before creating a powerful app with the help of AI

A Note Before We Dive In: We're a Caregiving Family

We want to be upfront about something important. We are not assistive technology professionals. We are not programmers. We're a caregiving family figuring things out one step at a time. We used AI as a tool to help us learn, problem-solve, and build what Ben needed when traditional options weren't working for him.

We're sharing all of this because we want to inspire other families, caregivers, and anyone supporting a person with disabilities to know that if the traditional software and assistive tech isn't working for your loved one, you can think outside the box. You can build something different. You can ask for help, lean on AI tools, and create something that fits the person you love.

A really important note: What works for Ben may not work for your loved one. Every person is different, and every disability is different. We strongly encourage families to connect with professionals who can help guide you, including Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Assistive Technology professionals.

If you don't know where to start, your local school district, early intervention program, or a hospital's rehab department can often point you in the right direction. Most states have local Assistive Technology programs where people can find resources, ask questions, and even borrow and try out different technologies.

A great website to look one up is AT3Center.net.

  • They are a great resource to find a professional near you. 
  • They often have device loaner programs and have knowledgeable people who can point you in the right direction.

What Is a Switch?

If you've never seen one before, an adapted switch is essentially a big, easy-to-press button. Think of it as a giant, simplified version of a single key on a keyboard.

For people who can't use a traditional mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen, switches open up a whole new way to interact with the world. A switch can be pressed with a hand, a foot, a head movement, an elbow, or whatever body part works best for the user. Some switches are activated by air pressure (sip-and-puff), light touch, or even tiny muscle movements.

Why does Ben use switches? Ben is quadriplegic and has limited fine motor control and low vision, so a standard keyboard and mouse aren't accessible to him. But he can reliably press two large buttons by turning his head left and right. Those two presses are all he needs to type messages, play games, browse the web, and watch his favorite shows.

Two switches mapped to Spacebar and Enter give Ben the ability to control an entire computer. That's the power of switch access.


What Is Benny's Accessibility Hub?

Benny's Accessibility Hub is a free web app loaded with switch-accessible games and entertainment tools created by our family NARBE House. We built it because we wanted Ben (and anyone else) to be able to just open a browser and play, without any of the usual barriers. 

Here's what makes the Hub easy to try:

  • No downloads required
  • No sign-ups, no accounts, no email
  • Completely free, always
  • Just open it in Google Chrome and start playing with Spacebar and Enter or with adaptive switches like Ben uses

If you already have adapted switches mapped to Spacebar and Enter, a mouse, or assistive software like head tracking or eye gaze that can interact with a web browser, Benny's Hub should work for you right out of the gate.

Free Web App For Games & Tools

Web App Only: Ben uses a Windows Surface tablet, but iPads and other tablets should work just as well for the web app. We recommend using the Google Chrome browser for the best experience with Benny's Accessibility Hub.

Video: Benny's Hub Explained

The web app has been significantly updated since this video.
More games and better design.

A Note on AAC

Benny's Hub is focused on games, entertainment, and play. It is not an AAC app.

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC tools are apps and devices that help people who can't use spoken language communicate by selecting words, symbols, or letters to build messages. Examples include apps like Cough Drop, Proloquo2Go, WeaveChat, and CBoard.

  • WeaveChat is completely free
  • Others have free tiers and free trial periods so you can see if their features work for you or your loved one.
  • They can be found in app stores like GooglePlay (Android), App Store (Apple), Microsoft Store (Windows)

If your loved one needs a way to communicate, we always recommend exploring established AAC apps first. Those tools are built by speech professionals, backed by research, and supported by SLPs who can help with setup, vocabulary, and training. A Speech Language Pathologist can help you find the right AAC fit for your loved one.

Benny's Hub is here for the fun stuff: the games, the music, the activities that bring joy. Both kinds of tools matter. We have a predictive text keyboard and a customizable phrase board built in, so Ben can communicate without having to leave the app at all.

What Is Benny's 2-Switch Kit?


It's a simple hardware system that lets a user control a computer, tablet, or phone using just two buttons. The "brain" of the kit (TRRS Trinkey - explained later) plugs into your device and translates button presses into the Spacebar and Enter keys, which are the exact keys used to navigate and play all the free games and entertainment tools on Benny's Accessibility Hub. These are the switches Ben uses to control his app. 

Part 1: The Evolution of Benny's Kit

When Ben first started out, his original switch kit setup relied on premium commercial hardware from Origin Instruments. 

  • Orby Switches (2 Buttons/Switches)
  • Swifty (USB Switch interface)
  • Stereo-to-mono plug adapter (splitter) 
  • 2.5-foot (760-mm) USB extender cable

The Swifty and Orby bundle is an incredibly high-quality, durable option, and it's still a fantastic choice for families who want professional-grade equipment. That said, the price tag (typically $200+ for the the full switch setup) can be a real financial barrier for many families.

Part 2: The Blueprint (What We Use Now)

To make play more affordable and accessible, we get 3D printed switches from Switched Toys, a TRRS Trinkey set up from Adafruit, a monosplitter, at a fraction of the cost. Our entire system is low cost, and you don't need any background in assistive technology to put it together.

The Hardware List

If you're in the United States, or you just want to see the exact items we package into our current standard kits, here is our DIY shopping list. The total cost to build one kit comes out to roughly $50 to $100 (United States), depending on which switches you choose and current pricing.

1. The Buttons: Accessibility Switches

We use durable, colorful accessibility switches from Switched Toys. They're 3D-printed, sturdy, and designed with kids and adult users in mind.

  • Approximate cost: $30 to $70 for two switches
  • They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
  • Ben uses two mini size switches (approx. 1.75 inches in diameter each)
  • Standard and mega size switches are a great option for anyone who activates with a hand, elbow, or another body part and needs a larger surface area.
  • Get the switches here


2. The Brain: Adafruit TRRS Trinkey

This is the tiny microcontroller that does all the heavy lifting. It looks like a small USB stick with a headphone jack on the end. We recommend getting the matching plastic cover to protect it during everyday use.

Adafruit TRRS Trinkey - USB Key for Assistive Technology
Product ID: 5954

3. The Adapter Cable: 3.5mm Stereo to Dual Mono Splitter

This is a 3.5mm Stereo to Dual Mono Cable. It plugs into the TRRS Trinkey and splits it into two separate plugs, one for each of your buttons.


3.5mm Stereo to Dual Mono Cable 6inch 1/8" TRS Male to 2 TS Mono Female Adapter Gold-Plated Connector Audio Y Splitter Cord for Headphone, Speaker

4. The Free Software: Benny's Trinkey Code

Once you plug the Trinkey into a computer, you install our free, pre-written code onto it. This tells the computer that Button 1 is "Spacebar" and Button 2 is "Enter."

5. Computer, Tablet, or Phone
Ben uses a Windows Surface tablet. His custom software was built with Python and requires Windows to run. If you're using Benny's Accessibility Hub, that's a different story. It's a free web app, so it works on any device with a browser, including iPad, Android tablets, and phones. We recommend Google Chrome.

Additional Products Ben Uses


Headband

When Ben uses his switches in bed, we use a DIY headband with velcro on either side. The switches attach to the headband via velcro on their bottoms. The headband itself is made from a disposable face shield with the clear plastic portion removed. We are currently working on a better version in partnership with a university engineering program, with the goal of creating a more versatile headband design that others in the community can replicate. We hope to have a build guide available in 2027.

Placement On His Headrest


When Ben is in his wheelchair, we attach his switches on either side of his head using the "wings" of his headrest. We apply velcro to both sides of the headrest and to the bottom of each switch to hold them in place. The velcro is quite strong, so once positioned, we leave them there as a more permanent solution. 

Device Mount 


Mount Mover | Post and Tablet Holder For Wheelchair

For Ben's wheelchair, we use a removable tablet holder setup recommended by his medical team. It includes a pole, a movable arm, and a tablet holder customized to his needs. The components are from Mount Mover, which offers guides and resources to help you find the right setup for your wheelchair and system. 

Luckily Ben's insurance was able to cover this item as he was eligible for a new wheelchair at the same time and they asked what he needed and this is what we requested.

Tablet Floor Stand Holder

Most of the time we use the Levo G2 Premium Tablet Floor Stand. It has wheels and brakes at the base, making it very easy to reposition and secure. It is a pricier option, but it has worked really well for us and we highly recommend it.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to an anonymous member of our community who purchased this for Ben. We are so grateful, and we are really glad it has worked out so well.

What About Ben's Custom Software?

Benny's Accessibility Hub works right away with no downloads. However, Ben's full custom software (the app Ari built that lets Ben send direct messages and use streaming services) is a separate, more advanced project.

That software is an Electron app with some Python built in and does require installation and a bit more technical know-how to set up. The good news is that Ben's custom software is completely open-source, and you're welcome to download it, modify it, and adapt it for your loved one's needs.

  • Get Ben's Custom Software on GitHub
  • This was built with Ben's needs and wants in mind. Completely custom for his abilities, but please feel free to modify it for yourself.
  • This code is not meant to be perfect. It is a bespoke solution, and Ben loves it as is. We will continue to improve (and update the Github) it as his needs and wants change.

If you're not technical, that's okay. AI tools can walk you through a lot of the setup step by step. Ari put together a vibecoding guide here that explains how he uses AI to build software for Ben, and it might help you get started on your own version.

Ben's Custom Software Explained +
Benny's Hub: Fun Games On The Web App


How the NARBE Foundation Helps

When we saw how much building these tools changed Ben's life, we knew we wanted to help other families too. So we started the NARBE Foundation, a nonprofit focused on:

  • Helping people find the right assistive technology resources
  • Keeping the tools we build (like Benny's Accessibility Hub) completely free
  • Donating switch kits to families and individuals who need them
  • Raising awareness about accessible technology and the people who use it

Every quarter, the NARBE Foundation donates complete switch kits (the two buttons, the Trinkey, and the mono adapter cable) to people who need them. They work right out the box, just plug in and play! If you or someone you support could benefit from a kit, or if you'd like to support our work, you can learn more with the links below:


A Note From Our Family

We built this guide because we believe access to communication and play shouldn't depend on a family's budget or technical background. If you build a system that works for your loved one, please let us know! We'd love to see it in action. And if you run into questions along the way, reach out anytime. We're all figuring this out together.