Mark F. O'Reilly

The social validity of different communication modalities is a potentially important variable to consider when designing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions. To assess the social validity of three AAC modes (i.e., manual signing, picture exchange, and an iPad^®-based speech-generating device), we asked 59 undergraduate students (pre-service teachers) and 43 teachers to watch a video explaining each mode. They were then asked to nominate the mode they perceived to be easiest to learn as well as the most intelligible, effective, and preferred. Participants were also asked to list the main reasons for their nominations and report on their experience with each modality. Most participants (68–86%) nominated the iPad-based speech-generating device (SGD) as easiest to learn, as well as the most intelligible, effective, and preferred. This device was perceived to be easy to understand and use and to have familiar and socially acceptable technology. Results suggest that iPad-based SGDs were perceived as more socially valid among this sample of teachers and undergraduate students. Information of this type may have some relevance to designing AAC supports for people who use AAC and their current and future potential communication partners.

Background: Persons with moderate/severe intellectual and multiple disabilities may have difficulties determining (a) the times of the day when to engage in specific activities and (b) the sequence of steps needed for those activities. Assistive technology might help them with both requirements. Methods: This study assessed an assistive technology package to (a) remind three adults with multiple (i.e. intellectual and sensory-motor) disabilities of the activities to carry out at the appropriate times of the day and (b) provide them pictorial instructions for the steps of those activities. It included a Galaxy S-3 mini smartphone (by Samsung) for delivering verbal reminders and a Microsoft Surface RT tablet for presenting pictorial instructions concerning the single steps of the activities programmed. The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Results: All three participants were successful in using both components of the technology package and managed to (a) independently start the activities at the scheduled times and (b) perform them with high levels of accuracy (i.e. with mean percentages of correct steps exceeding 90). Conclusion: A technology package may enable persons with multiple disabilities to perform complex activities at the appropriate times.

Conclusions Microswitch-aided programs can support exercise of complex response schemes of persons with multiple disabilities.

Purpose: These two studies extended technology-aided programs to promote leisure and communication opportunities to a man with cervical spinal cord injury and a post-coma man with multiple disabilities. Method: The studies involved the use of ABAB designs, in which A and B represented baseline and intervention phases, respectively. The programs focused on enabling the participants to activate songs, videos, requests, text messages, and telephone calls. These options were presented on a computer screen and activated through a small pressure microswitch by the man with spinal cord injury and a special touch screen by the post-coma man. To help the latter participant, who had no verbal skills, with requests and telephone calls, series of words and phrases were made available that he could activate in those situations. Results: Data showed that both participants were successful in managing the programs arranged for them. The man with spinal cord injury activated mean frequencies of above five options per 10-min session. The post-coma man activated mean frequencies of about 12 options per 20-min session. Conclusions: Technology-aided programs for promoting leisure and communication opportunities might be successfully tailored to persons with spinal cord injury and persons with post-coma multiple disabilities.

Objective: To assess whether a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis could benefit from using (a) a mouth pressure microswitch instead of an optic microswitch activated via head movement and (b) a special word prediction function within a text messaging system. Method: Initially, both microswitches were used for operating the text messaging system, and their effectiveness and the man's preference were assessed. Subsequently, only the mouth microswitch was used and the messaging system was provided with a word prediction function. Results: The man was more efficient/rapid in using the text messaging (i.e., in writing) with the mouth microswitch and preferred such a microswitch. Similarly, he was more rapid in writing when the word prediction function was added (as opposed to the initial phase of the study when such function was not available) and preferred to use it. Conclusion: Technology updates are critical in helping persons with motor degeneration.