Evaluating a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of persons with multiple disabilities

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2004-11, Vol.26 (21-22), p.1286-1290
• Main Authors: Lancioni, GE, Singh, NN, O'Reilly, MF, Sigafoos, J, Oliva, D, Montironi, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - diagnosis; Abnormalities, Multiple - rehabilitation; Adolescent; Adult; Communication Aids for Disabled; Communication Disorders - diagnosis; Communication Disorders - rehabilitation; Computer Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intellectual Disability - diagnosis; Intellectual Disability - rehabilitation; Neuropsychological Tests; Risk Assessment; Self-Help Devices; Severity of Illness Index; Software; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638280412331280307

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of two adults with multiple disabilities. The system combined a new control software programme with a commercially available speech recognition programme. Method: Nine word utterances were targeted for each participant. The participant's emission of those utterances triggered the occurrence of related (favourite) stimuli during the intervention and the post-intervention check. Results: Intervention data showed that (1) the participants increased the frequencies of the target utterances and (2) the computer system recognized about 80% of those utterances correctly, providing the participants with high levels of favourite stimulation. The post-intervention check showed comparable data with both participants. Conclusions: The computer system proved an adequate microswitch for word utterances. Based on this evidence, microswitch programmes could be extended beyond the use of conventional motor responses.