title: Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: two single-case studies.
abstract: Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement were assessed in single-case studies involving two men with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Study I involved a 51-year-old man with a virtually total loss of his motor repertoire and assessed a technology-aided program aimed at enabling him to (a) write and send out text messages and have incoming messages read to him and (b) establish videophone connections with his children (i.e., establish video contact and communicate with them). Study II involved a 66-year-old man with virtually no motor behavior and apparent depression and assessed a technology-aided program aimed at enabling him to (a) engage in leisure activities and make requests for basic needs and (b) use a low-demand messaging system. The results of both studies were highly encouraging. The participant of Study I could use the technology-aided program for effective communication and social interaction with multiple partners as well as for family interaction. The participant of Study II could use the technology-aided program for leisure engagement, requests, and basic family contacts/communication. The implications of technology for helping persons with severe ALS levels maintain an active and constructive role are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
authors.forename: Giulio E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lancioni
authors.forename: Nirbhay N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sigafoos
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferlisi
authors.forename: Giacomina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferrarese
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zullo
authors.forename: Luigi M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Addante
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spica
authors.forename: Doretta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oliva
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003199:Computer Systems; D016288:Computer Terminals; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061108:Social Media / Q000295:instrumentation*; D060145:Text Messaging / Q000295:instrumentation*