ERIC Number: EJ788401
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Apr
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0964-2633
EISSN: N/A
Three Persons with Multiple Disabilities Accessing Environmental Stimuli and Asking for Social Contact through Microswitch and VOCA Technology
Lancioni, G. E.; O'Reilly, M. F.; Singh, N. N.; Sigafoos, J.; Oliva, D.; Severini, L.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, v52 n4 p327-336 Apr 2008
Background: Direct access to environmental stimuli and opportunity to ask for social contact/attention may be considered highly relevant objectives for persons with multiple disabilities. We assessed the possibility of enabling three of these persons (two children and one adolescent) to combine two micro switches (for accessing environmental stimuli) and a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), which allowed them to ask for caregiver's attention. Methods: Initially, the participants were required to use each of the two microswitches individually and then together. Thereafter, they were taught to use the VOCA. Eventually, the VOCA was available together with the microswitches, and the participants could use any of the three. Results: The results, which support preliminary data on this topic, showed that all participants (1) were able to operate the two microswitches as well as the VOCA; and (2) used all three of them consistently when they were simultaneously available. Conclusions: Teaching persons with multiple disabilities to combine a VOCA with conventional microswitches may enrich their general input, emphasize their active social role and eventually enhance their social image.
Descriptors: Stimuli, Multiple Disabilities, Assistive Technology, Interpersonal Relationship, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Children, Adolescents
Blackwell Publishing. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8599; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com; Web site: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jnl_default.asp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A