title: Access to augmentative and alternative communication: new technologies and clinical decision-making.
abstract: Children with severe physical impairments require a variety of access options to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and computer technology. Access technologies have continued to develop, allowing children with severe motor control impairments greater independence and access to communication. This article will highlight new advances in access technology, including eye and head tracking, scanning, and access to mainstream technology, as well as discuss future advances. Considerations for clinical decision-making and implementation of these technologies will be presented along with case illustrations.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA. sfager@madonna.org
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fager
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bardach
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Higginbotham
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000293:Adolescent; D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces / Q000639:trends; D019090:Case Management; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000639:trends*; D003657:Decision Making; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004519:Education, Special / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D013672:Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends