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Fins JJ, Knitter J, Mukherjee D, Conti K, Donleavy-Hiller B, Gerber LM, Hersh JE, Kotorac-Erlbaum R, Milch B, Klein SM. A Descriptive Analysis of Access to Assistive Technology in Children With Acquired Brain Injury: The Right to Assistive Devices. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:152-159. [PMID: 37492972 PMCID: PMC10811270 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric clinicians caring for children with acquired brain injury have noted that many individuals requiring assistive technology (AT) go unserved or face delays until devices are obtained, with potential adverse implications for recovery and development. In this article we map the pathways by which AT is prescribed and assess delays and barriers to access. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with moderate to severe brain injury admitted to Blythedale Children's Hospital over a 2-year period using a database drawn from the medical record. RESULTS We identified 72 children diagnosed with brain injury requiring at least 1 device. Devices were used to improve mobility and positioning, self-care, safety, and communication, and enable access to other technologies and foster social integration. We found that 55% of devices were delivered, with most deliveries to home or the hospital's outpatient department for fitting, training, and instruction. Time to delivery ranged from 12 to 250 days with an average of 69.4 days. Twenty percent of nondeliveries were attributable to change in medical status, transfer to a skilled nursing facility, or continued inpatient status, while 31% were canceled by the family. Other nondeliveries were attributed to insurance coverage. We also found that the medical record is not designed for the longitudinal tracking of devices, indicating the need for a prospective process to document the AT trajectory. CONCLUSION Instead of tolerating delays and denials, there should be a normative expectation that children have a right to medically necessary devices, consistent with disability law. This analysis was undertaken as a step toward formulating a prospective means of tracking AT recommendations, approvals, denials, and/or deliveries. Our findings should be understood as a promissory note toward structural reforms that are reflective of society's responsibility to better meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Fins
- Author Affiliations: Division of Medical Ethics (Drs Fins and Mukherjee and Ms Hersh) and Department of Population Health Science (Dr Gerber), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy, Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut (Dr Fins); and Blythedale Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York (Mss Knitter, Donleavy-Hiller, Kotorac-Erlbaum, and Milch and Drs Conti and Klein)
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Stasolla F, Vinci LA, Cusano M. The Integration of Assistive Technology and Virtual Reality for Assessment and Recovery of Post-coma Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: A New Hypothesis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:905811. [PMID: 35899005 PMCID: PMC9309568 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Bottiroli S, Ciarmoli D. An assistive technology program for enabling five adolescents emerging from a minimally conscious state to engage in communication, occupation, and leisure opportunities. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:193-204. [PMID: 34895026 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.2011457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-coma patients emerging from a minimally conscious state may have extensive motor disabilities and pose serious challenges to medical centers and home settings. OBJECTIVES To promote academic performance and communication skills of post-coma individuals with traumatic brain injuries emerging from a minimally conscious state through an Assistive Technology setup. To evaluate its effects on the participants' positive participation. To generalize the learning process. To assess the intervention's clinical and social validity. METHOD Study I included five adolescents exposed to an Assistive Technology setup enabling them with targeted adaptive behaviors. Study II involved fifty external raters in a social validation assessment. RESULTS Data evidenced an improved performance of all the participants during the intervention, assessed through a concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Social raters favorably scored the use of the technology. CONCLUSION An Assistive Technology setup may be helpful to enhance the performance and positive participation of adolescents with traumatic brain injuries emerging from a minimally conscious state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro O Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- "Giustino Fortunato" University of Benevento, Benevento, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Abu-Alghayth K. Teachers' use of assistive technology in Saudi special education schools: A mixed-methods enquiry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 68:547-557. [PMID: 35937161 PMCID: PMC9351577 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1836943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine assistive technology (AT) use, elements teachers take into consideration when selecting AT, and barriers from the standpoint of teachers of students with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. To answer the research questions, the researcher employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. A self-administered online survey and interviews were conducted to collect data. A total of 92 special education teachers from four special education institutes were surveyed, and five teachers were interviewed to provide interpretations for the analysed quantitative data. Results demonstrated there were cultural factors that could influence AT use with students. Findings revealed there was a lack of AT use, with teachers reporting higher use of low-tech than mid-tech and high-tech. The most reported barriers were lack of AT devices and lack of training. The results also revealed there were statistical differences in AT use between the four special education institutes and between teachers with previous AT training. Four major themes and several sub-themes emerged from the interviews. The themes were (a) AT use, (b) considerations, (c) barriers, and (d) professional development. These themes made it possible to interpret and elaborate on the quantitative data. The findings suggest the necessity of professional development for teachers, an increase in financial support, and provision of appropriate curriculum for successfully using AT in classrooms.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Desideri L. People with intellectual and visual disabilities access basic leisure and communication using a smartphone's Google Assistant and voice recording devices. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:957-964. [PMID: 33078974 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1836047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed a new technology system to help six participants with intellectual and visual disabilities manage leisure engagement and communication with distant partners in an independent manner. METHODS A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to assess the effects of the new technology system. This included a Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus smartphone with Android 9.0 operating system, mini voice recording devices, and a Bluetooth speaker. The smartphone was provided with a Google account and Internet connection. The participants could activate the smartphone's Google Assistant and thus access leisure events, start telephone calls or send messages by triggering mini voice recording devices. Each device, when triggered, uttered a specific verbal request (i.e., a request for a leisure option or for a communication partner to call or to reach by messages). Messages received from those partners were read automatically by the smartphone. RESULTS During baseline (when the voice recording devices were not available), the participants did not manage to activate the smartphone's Google Assistant and thus did not access leisure events and did not make telephone calls or send messages independently. During the post-intervention phase (when the voice recording devices were available), all participants accessed leisure events and made telephone calls or sent and received messages independently, remaining positively engaged throughout the 10-min sessions. Staff rated the new technology system positively. CONCLUSION The new technology system may be a useful resource to help people like the participants of this study access basic leisure and communication independently.Implications for rehabilitationA technology system relying on commercial devices may be practical and acceptable in daily programs for persons with intellectual and other disabilities.Such system may be used for supporting the persons' independent leisure engagement and communication with distant partners.A system may be accessible to persons with significant disabilities if the responses needed to operate it are simple.Simple hand-pressure responses may be sufficient to operate a system that relies on the input of mini voice recording devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Carrella L. Everyday Technology to Support Leisure and Daily Activities in People with Intellectual and Other Disabilities. Dev Neurorehabil 2020; 23:431-438. [PMID: 32118503 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1737590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The study evaluated a smartphone-aided program to support independent access to leisure events and performance of daily activities in seven participants with moderate intellectual disability, four of whom also had severe hearing loss. Method: The program relied on the use of a Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus smartphone with Android 9.0 operating system. The smartphone's functioning was automated via the MacroDroid application. The program was to allow the participants to alternate access to leisure events (delivered via the smartphone) with performance of vocational activities (guided through smartphone-delivered pictorial or pictorial and verbal instructions) over sessions of about 30 min. Results: During the baseline, the participants failed to access leisure events and perform scheduled activities independently. When the program was used, however, all participants succeeded in both accessing leisure events and performing activities independently. Conclusions: The smartphone-aided program can be a useful tool for people like the participants of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington, New Zealand
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Buono S. Extended smartphone-aided program to sustain daily activities, communication and leisure in individuals with intellectual and sensory-motor disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 105:103722. [PMID: 32623249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone-aided programs were recently developed to support leisure engagement and communication with distant partners in individuals with special needs. This study evaluated an extended smartphone-aided program that supported daily activities in addition to communication and leisure in individuals with intellectual and visual or visuo-motor disabilities. METHOD Six participants were involved who had been exposed to an earlier smartphone-aided program supporting communication and leisure. The extended program (a) relied on the use of a Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus smartphone, which was fitted with Android 9.0 operating system and MacroDroid, and (b) alternated periods in which the participants could engage in communication and leisure with periods in which they were provided with instructions for daily activities. RESULTS During the baseline (i.e., with the earlier smartphone-aided program), the participants engaged in communication and leisure, but did not start any activity. During the post-intervention phase (i.e., with the extended smartphone-aided program), the participants maintained successful communication and leisure engagement and started and carried out daily activities successfully. Staff rated the extended program largely preferable to the original program. CONCLUSIONS The extended program can be a useful tool for widening the functional occupation of individuals like the participants of this study.
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Noyek S, Vowles C, Batorowicz B, Davies C, Fayed N. Direct assessment of emotional well-being from children with severe motor and communication impairment: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:501-514. [PMID: 32878502 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1810334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Explore methods used in peer-reviewed literature for obtaining self-expression of well-being information from children with severe motor and communication impairment (SMCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on 22 August 2019 through academic databases: CINAHL; Embase; MEDLINE; PsycINFO; InSpec; Compendex. Search strategies were informed by keywords under the following areas: (1) population: children with SMCI, (2) assessment methods: alternative to natural speech, paper and pencil report or standardized keyboard use (e.g., eye gaze) and (3) target information: well-being (e.g., quality of life). Studies were excluded if they focused on individuals over 25-years old, exclusively autism or typically developing children. RESULTS Non-duplicate studies of 10,986 were screened; 49 studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies used high-tech methods of self-expression in a single context (n = 17). Familiar partners play a significant role in self-expression; 18 studies required a familiar partner for children with SMCI to self-express. Thirty-five studies involved children self-expressing to solely adults, in comparison to 14 studies which involved peers. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the advancement of high-tech communication devices restricted to application in single contexts. Familiar partner knowledge of children with SMCI has the potential to be shared with others (e.g., respite care providers), enhancing both caregiver and child well-being. Future research that would enhance the literature could explore the assessment of emotional well-being for application in various contexts using multimodal methods. Opportunities for children with SMCI to express their emotional well-being can further influence the understanding and enhancement of participation, social connections, and experiences.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONUse of lower tech methods of self-expression to obtain information directly from children with severe motor and communication impairment (SMCI) remain more feasible in home and school contexts.By utilizing familiar partners' experiences and knowledge of the child, respite care providers, novel support workers, and others involved in the lives of children with SMCI can become further informed.Current high-tech methods for obtaining the emotional expressions of children with SMCI may benefit from incorporating multimodal approaches including lower tech methods, to be feasibly applied in real world contexts where well-being takes place.Further research on this topic is imperative to enable children with SMCI to self-express their emotional well-being which can enhance participation, activities, social connections, and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Noyek
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Caryn Vowles
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Beata Batorowicz
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Claire Davies
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Nora Fayed
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D'Amico F, Buonocunto F, Lanzilotti C, Alberti G, Navarro J. Mainstream technology to support basic communication and leisure in people with neurological disorders, motor impairment and lack of speech. Brain Inj 2020; 34:921-927. [PMID: 32442386 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1763462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess a simple technology solution to support basic communication and leisure in people with neurological disorders, extensive motor impairment, and absence of speech. DESIGN The design was a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants. METHODS The study included eight participants and assessed a technology setup including a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 LTE tablet and a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone. The smartphone, automated via MacroDroid, presented the participant with leisure, messages, and caregiver options. Choosing leisure or messages (by activating the smartphone's proximity sensor) led the smartphone to present the alternatives available for that option and eventually verbalize the alternative selected. This verbalization triggered the tablet's Google Assistant and led the tablet to present a leisure event or start a message exchange. Choosing the caregiver led the smartphone to invite the caregiver to interact with the participant. RESULTS During baseline (i.e., when a standard smartphone was available), the participants did not activate any of the options. During intervention and post-intervention (i.e., with the technology described above), participants activated all options and spent most of the session time positively engaged with them. CONCLUSIONS The aforementioned technology seems to be a useful tool for individuals like those involved in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Italy
| | | | - Mark F O'Reilly
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas at Austin , USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington , New Zealand
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D’Amico F, Vincenti A, Buonocunto F, Susco V, Lanzilotti C, Navarro J. Basic smartphone-aided communication and leisure for people with extensive neuro-motor impairment and absence of speech. NeuroRehabilitation 2019; 45:311-322. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-192811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Perilli V, Albano V. Experimental Examination and Social Validation of a Microswitch Intervention to Improve Choice-Making and Activity Engagement for Six Girls with Rett Syndrome. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:527-541. [PMID: 31169045 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1624655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: The use of assistive technology, specifically microswitches, with children with RTT has been shown to effectively moderate the impact of their disability on their quality of life- by facilitating access to meaningful leisure and other activities. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a microswitch intervention on increased choice making, engagement in a targeted sorting activity, and indices of happiness, and decreased stereotypic behaviors for six girls with Rett syndrome. Targeted dependent variables were also assessed at six months post-intervention. Following the intervention study, 90 external raters completed a social validation procedure. Method: An ABABAB experimental sequence was implemented for each participant with a cross-over effect. A social validation assessment involving 90 external raters was carried out. Results: Data emphasized an improved performance for each participants involved (i.e., adaptive responses). Five participants showed a capacity of independent choice. One participant seemed to be closely linked to the position of the container. Social raters favorably endorsed the use of the program since they positively evaluated the use of the technology on all the dimensions investigated. Conclusion: A microswitch intervention may improve choice making and activity engagement for children with Rett syndrome. Further research is needed on the development of more sophisticated forms of individualized technological options to improve opportunities for enhanced engagement and choice-making for individuals with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vincenza Albano
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari , Italy
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Grillo G, Turi C. A tablet-based program to enable people with intellectual and other disabilities to access leisure activities and video calls. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 15:14-20. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1508515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Cosimo Turi
- OSMAIRM Rehabilitation Center, Laterza, Italy
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Perilli V, Boccasini A, Damiani R, D'Amico F. Assistive technology for promoting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy: ten cases evaluation. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 14:489-502. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1467972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro O. Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Viviana Perilli
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Adele Boccasini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Damiani
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Stasolla F, Perilli V, Damiani R, Albano V. Assistive technology to promote occupation and reduce mouthing by three boys with fragile X syndrome. Dev Neurorehabil 2017; 20:185-193. [PMID: 27054947 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1133724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To extend the use of assistive technology (AT) for promoting a new adaptive response and to reduce hand mouthing, by three boys with fragile X syndrome. To monitor the effects of the intervention program on the positive mood. To carry out a three month follow-up phases. To conduct a social validation assessment involving 30 parents of children who presented multiple disabilities as raters. METHODS The study was implemented according to an ABAB experimental design, where A represented baseline phases (technology available but inactive) and B represented intervention phases (the technology ensured 7 s of positive stimulation). RESULTS All participants improved and consolidated their performance. Parents involved in the social validation assessment rated positively the use of such technology. CONCLUSION AT-based program was useful, affordable, and effective for enhancing constructive engagement, self-determination, and for improving quality of life by children with fragile X syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rita Damiani
- c Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication , University of Bari , Bari , Italy
| | - Vincenza Albano
- c Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication , University of Bari , Bari , Italy
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Perilli V, Boccasini A, Stella A, Damiani R, Albano V, Damato C. A microswitch-based program for promoting initial ambulation responses: An evaluation with two girls with multiple disabilities. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:345-356. [PMID: 28128442 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the use of a microswitch-based program for promoting ambulation responses by two children with multiple disabilities. The goals of the study were to: (a) evaluate the importance of the contingency between the target behavior (forward step) and the programmed consequence (preferred stimuli), (b) measure effects of the intervention on indices of happiness, and (c) assess the social validation of the procedure using 20 physiotherapists as external raters. The intervention involved the automatic delivery of preferred stimuli contingent on forward steps. Results showed that both participants improved their performance (forward steps and indices of happiness) during contingent reinforcement phases compared to baseline and noncontingent reinforcement phases. Moreover, physiotherapists rated the intervention as socially valid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro O Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari (Italy)
| | | | - Adele Boccasini
- Lega del Filo d'Oro Research Center, Termini Imerese (Italy)
| | - Anna Stella
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari (Italy)
| | - Rita Damiani
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari (Italy)
| | - Vincenza Albano
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari (Italy)
| | - Concetta Damato
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari (Italy)
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D'Amico F, Buonocunto F, Navarro J, Lanzilotti C, Fiore P, Megna M, Damiani S. Assistive technology to help persons in a minimally conscious state develop responding and stimulation control: Performance assessment and social rating. NeuroRehabilitation 2016; 37:393-403. [PMID: 26518532 DOI: 10.3233/nre-151269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-coma persons in a minimally conscious state (MCS) and with extensive motor impairment and lack of speech tend to be passive and isolated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (a) further assess a technology-aided approach for fostering MCS participants' responding and stimulation control and (b) carry out a social validation check about the approach. METHODS Eight MCS participants were exposed to the aforementioned approach according to an ABAB design. The technology included optic, pressure or touch microswitches to monitor eyelid, hand or finger responses and a computer system that allowed those responses to produce brief periods of positive stimulation during the B (intervention) phases of the study. Eighty-four university psychology students and 42 care and health professionals were involved in the social validation check. RESULTS The MCS participants showed clear increases in their response frequencies, thus producing increases in their levels of environmental stimulation input, during the B phases of the study. The students and care and health professionals involved in the social validation check rated the technology-aided approach more positively than a control condition in which stimulation was automatically presented to the participants. CONCLUSIONS A technology-aided approach to foster responding and stimulation control in MCS persons may be effective and socially desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jorge Navarro
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation Center, Ceglie Messapica, Italy
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D’Amico F, Ferlisi G, Zullo V, Denitto F, Lauta E, Abbinante C, Pesce CV. A basic technology-aided programme for leisure and communication of persons with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: performance and social rating. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2015; 12:145-152. [DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2015.1104561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mark F. O’Reilly
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Department of Educational Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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