title: Technology-based programs to support forms of leisure engagement and communication for persons with multiple disabilities: two single-case studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To extend the assessment of technology-based programs for promoting stimulus choice and staff/caregiver calls or radio operation and text messaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Study I, the program involved a portable computer, commercial software, and a microswitch to allow a man with motor impairment and moderate intellectual disability to choose among preferred stimuli (e.g., songs and film clips) and persons to call. In Study II, the programs involved (a) a radio device and an electronic control unit or (b) a net-book computer and a global system for mobile communication. A woman with blindness and moderate intellectual disability used a microswitch to operate the radio or send and listen to text messages.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants succeeded in using the technology-aided programs through simple microswitch activations involving partial hand closure (Study I) or hand pressure (Study II).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Technology-based programs can provide persons with multiple disabilities relevant leisure and communication opportunities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, 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: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Doretta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Buonocunto
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sacco
authors.forename: Emma M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Biancardi
authors.forename: Santo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Nuovo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D013672:Technology; D060145:Text Messaging