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Lancioni GE, Olivetti Belardinelli M, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G. Recent Technology-Aided Programs to Support Adaptive Responses, Functional Activities, and Leisure and Communication in People With Significant Disabilities. Front Neurol 2019; 10:643. [PMID: 31312169 PMCID: PMC6614206 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of recent technology-aided programs (i. e., technology-aided support tools) designed to help people with significant disabilities (a) engage in adaptive responses, functional activities, and leisure and communication, and thus (b) interact with their physical and social environment and improve their performance/achievement. In order to illustrate the support tools, the paper provides an overview of recent studies aimed at developing and assessing those tools. The paper also examines the tools' accessibility and usability, and comments on possible ways of modifying and advancing them to improve their impact. The tools taken into consideration concern, among others, (a) microswitches linked to computer systems, and aimed at promoting (i.e., through positive stimulation) minimal responses or functional body movements in individuals with intellectual disabilities and motor impairments; (b) computer systems, tablets, or smartphones aimed at supporting functional activity engagement of individuals with intellectual disabilities or Alzheimer's disease; and (c) microswitches with computer-aided systems, elaborate communication devices, and specifically arranged smartphones or tablets, directed at promoting leisure, communication, or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marta Olivetti Belardinelli
- Interuniversity Center for Research on Cognitive Processing in Natural and Artificial Systems (ECONA), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F. O'Reilly
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Campanella C, Grillo G, Tagliente V. A Program Based on Common Technology to Support Communication Exchanges and Leisure in People With Intellectual and Other Disabilities. Behav Modif 2019; 43:879-897. [DOI: 10.1177/0145445519850747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess a new smartphone-based program version to allow seven participants with intellectual plus visual and/or motor disabilities and hesitant speech to send out and receive WhatsApp messages, make telephone calls, and access leisure activities. This program version relied on a Samsung A3 smartphone, which was automated through the MacroDroid application and responded to the input of specific cards and miniature objects. During the baseline (i.e., without the program), the participants’ performance was zero or close to zero on communication and leisure. During the use of the program, the participants increased their frequency of WhatsApp messages sent out and received/listened to, and of leisure activities accessed. Their frequency of telephone calls averaged between virtually zero and slightly above one. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the technology used for the program and the applicability of the program in daily contexts.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Grillo G, Turi C. Case series of technology-aided interventions to support leisure and communication in extensive disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 66:180-189. [PMID: 34141380 PMCID: PMC8115613 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2018.1533062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed a new technology-aided program to support independent leisure and communication engagement with people with intellectual and motor or sensory-motor disabilities. Methods: Six adults participated. The program relied on the use of a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 LTE tablet with Android 6.0 Operating System, a NANO SIM card, and the WhatsApp Messenger and MacroDroid applications. The participants were presented with leisure and communication (i.e. text messaging) alternatives, and, based on their choices, with series of steps allowing them to access leisure events or send messages. Results: During baseline, the participants were unable to access leisure events or send messages. During intervention and post-intervention phases, they used the program successfully and spent large percentages of the session time independently engaged in leisure and messaging. Conclusions: A program based on readily available technology may be functional to support leisure and communication in people like the participants of this study.
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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, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Department of Educational Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Cosimo Turi
- OSMAIRM Rehabilitation Center, Laterza, 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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Lancioni G, Singh N, O'Reilly M, Sigafoos J, D'Amico F, Sasanelli G, Denitto F, Lang R. Technology-aided leisure and communication: Opportunities for persons with advanced Parkinson's disease. Dev Neurorehabil 2016; 19:398-404. [PMID: 25826719 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2014.1002637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether simple technology-aided programs could be used to promote leisure and communication engagement in three persons with advanced Parkinson's disease. METHOD The programs included music and video options, which were combined with (a) text messaging and telephone calls for the first participant, (b) verbal statements/requests, text messaging, and reading for the second participant, and (c) verbal statements/requests and prayers for the third participant. The participants could activate those options via hand movement or vocal emission and specific microswitches. RESULTS All three participants were successful in activating the options available. The mean cumulative frequencies of option activations were about five per 15-min session for the first two participants and about four per 10-min session for the third participant. CONCLUSION The results were considered encouraging and relevant given the limited amount of evidence available on helping persons with advanced Parkinson's disease with leisure and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Lancioni
- a Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari , Bari , Italy
| | - Nirbhay Singh
- b Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University , Augusta , GA , USA
| | - Mark O'Reilly
- c Department of Special Education , University of Texas at Austin , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- d Department of Educational Psychology , Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Fiora D'Amico
- e S. Raffaele Medical Care Center , Alberobello , Italy
| | | | | | - Russell Lang
- g Department of Curriculum Instruction , Texas State University , San Marcos , TX , USA
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Lancioni GE, Simone IL, De Caro MF, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Ferlisi G, Zullo V, Schirone S, Denitto F, Zonno N. Assisting persons with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in their leisure engagement and communication needs with a basic technology-aided program. NeuroRehabilitation 2015; 36:355-65. [PMID: 26409339 DOI: 10.3233/nre-151224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eye-tracking communication devices and brain-computer interfaces are the two resources available to help people with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) avoid isolation and passivity. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at assessing a technology-aided program (i.e., a third possible resource) for five patients with advanced ALS who needed support for communication and leisure activities. METHODS The participants were exposed to baseline and intervention conditions. The technology-aided program, which was used during the intervention, (a) included the communication and leisure options that each participant considered important for him or her (e.g., music, videos, statements/requests, and text messaging) and (b) allowed the participant to access those options with minimal responses (e.g., finger movement or eyelid closure) monitored via microswitches. RESULTS The participants started leisure and communication engagement independently only during the intervention (i.e., when the program was used). The mean percentages of session time spent in those forms of engagement were between about 60 and 80. Preference checks and brief interviews indicated that participants and families liked the program. CONCLUSIONS The program might be viewed as an additional approach/resource for patients with advanced ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nadia Zonno
- ISPE Medical Care Center, Mola di Bari, Italy
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Belardinelli MO, Buonocunto F, D'Amico F, Navarro J, Lanzilotti C, Denitto F, De Tommaso M, Megna M. Supporting self-managed leisure engagement and communication in post-coma persons with multiple disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 38:75-83. [PMID: 25546297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-coma persons affected by extensive motor impairment and lack of speech, with or without disorders of consciousness, need special support to manage leisure engagement and communication. These two studies extended research efforts aimed at assessing basic technology-aided programs to provide such support. Specifically, Study I assessed a program for promoting independent stimulation choice in four post-coma persons who combined motor and speech disabilities with disorders of consciousness (i.e., were rated between the minimally conscious state and the emergence from such state). Study II assessed a program for promoting independent television operation and basic communication in three post-coma participants who, contrary to those involved in Study I, did not have disorders of consciousness (i.e., had emerged from a minimally conscious state). The results of the studies were largely positive with substantial levels of independent stimulation choice and access for the participants of Study I and independent television operation and communication for the participants of Study II. The results were analyzed in relation to previous data in the area and in terms of their implications for daily contexts dealing with these persons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Fiora D'Amico
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers, Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
| | - Jorge Navarro
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers, Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
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