technology aided programs for persons with severe profound and multiple disabilities a selective review

This paper represents a brief, selective review of technology-aided programs for persons with severe/profound and multiple disabilities. Specifically, the paper provides detailed summaries of a number of illustrative studies conducted by these authors for the assessment of (a) microswitch-based programs aimed at promoting response engagement and control of environmental stimulation, (b) speech-generating devices and computer-aided programs directed at promoting communication and stimulus choice, (c) orientation technology solutions for promoting indoor travel, and (d) visual- and verbal-instruction technology for promoting performance of complex, multi-step tasks. The studies included in the review provide a specific picture of the technological instruments adopted within the programs, of the participants involved, and of the outcomes obtained. Questions of practical importance left unanswered by those studies and others in the field are also discussed as possible targets of new research

Technology-assisted writing opportunities for a man emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities

Objective: To assess a computer-aided technology for assisting writing in a man who emerged from a minimally conscious state and presented with extensive motor disabilities. Method: The technology served to present letters, in groups, at the centre of a computer screen and display (write) the letters selected by the man (i.e. through a simplified pointing response) on the upper half of that screen. Results: The results showed that the technology enabled the man to produce clear (readily readable) writing. This writing compared positively with the results obtained using a communication board containing the letters (i.e. a system already available to the man). Conclusion: Computer-aided technology may provide basic writing (communication) opportunities to persons emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities and lack of speech. © 2011 Informa UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Learning in post-coma persons with profound multiple disabilities: Two case evaluations

Finding signs of learning in post-coma persons with profound multiple disabilities (i.e., in a vegetative state or minimally responsive) would underline (a) an awareness/consciousness of their responding and its links with environmental stimuli and (b) a positive development in their immediate situation with the possibility of treatment (rehabilitation) advances. This study was aimed at assessing signs of learning in two of these persons (i.e., two adults). The learning setup involved eye blinking as the persons' responses and microswitch technology to detect such responses and to present stimuli. The technology consisted of an electronically regulated optic sensor mounted on an eyeglasses' frame that the persons wore during the sessions and a control system connected to stimulus sources. The study involved an ABABCB sequence, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. Data showed that the level of responding during the B phases was significantly higher than the levels observed during the A phases as well as the C phase (i.e., indicating clear signs of learning by both persons). The implications of these data for assessment and rehabilitation of post-coma persons with profound multiple disabilities are discussed

Helping a man with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities manage television use via assistive technology

This single case study was an effort to assess a technology-based program aimed at promoting independent television use by a man with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities. The technologygs main components were: (a) two microswitches, which allowed the man to request and confirm/trigger with small responses basic television operations (i.e., switching the television on or off and changing channels), and (b) an electronic control unit with an amplified MP3 player, which helped the man with verbal instructions and the execution of the television operations. Results showed that the technology-based program succeeded in enabling the man to manage television use independently. Different amounts of time dedicated to various television programs suggested that the man had different levels of interest for them and could choose among them. © The Author(s) 2010

A Girl With Multiple Disabilities Increases Object Manipulation and Reduces Hand Mouthing Through a Microswitch-Based Program

Item does not contain fulltextThe study was an effort to help a girl with multiple disabilities increase object manipulation responses and reduce hand mouthing, carried out according to an ABAB sequence (in which A represented baseline phases; B, treatment phases) and including a 3-month follow-up. During the baseline phases, a microswitch cluster (i.e., a combination of microswitches) was used to monitor the girl's object manipulation responses and hand mouthing. Indices of happiness were also recorded. During the treatment phases and follow-up, the microswitch cluster was combined with the use of preferred stimuli for object manipulation responses. The stimuli lasted an 8-s period at each response if the girl remained free from hand mouthing through that period, but were interrupted if hand mouthing appeared. The results show that the girl increased object manipulation responses, learned to refrain from hand mouthing for most of the session time, maintained this performance over time, and showed an increase in indices of happiness