Using computer systems as microswitches for vocal utterances of persons with multiple disabilities.
We assessed the effects of two computer systems used as microswitches for the vocal utterances of an adolescent and a young adult with multiple disabilities. The systems were to respond to three one-syllable utterances of the first participant and nine word-like utterances of the second participant by presenting favorite stimuli linked to those utterances. The computer system used for the first participant relied on a software program developed specifically for this study. The computer system used for the second participant combined a new software program with a commercially available speech recognition program. Results showed that both participants increased the frequencies of their target utterances and obtained high levels of stimulation. Positive performance was maintained at post-intervention checks. Technical and practical implications of the data are discussed.
Lancioni
Giulio E
GE
Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, 70100 Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Singh
Nirbhay N
NN
O'Reilly
Mark F
MF
Oliva
Doretta
D
Montironi
Gianluigi
G
Piazza
Francesco
F
Ciavattini
Emanuele
E
Bettarelli
Ferruccio
F
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D003201:Computers; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D014705:Verbal Behavior