User Profile Search Results

Individual Data. Each row is a case for a single subject in the dataset.

The list below shows all studies in the dataset that match your search criteria.

• Quantitative Modeling in Augmentative Communication -- A Case Study Koester H. (1990) RESNA 1990 Annual Conference. Show abstract Sorry, no abstract available.
• Selecting an appropriate scan rate: the '.65 rule.' Simpson R, Koester H, LoPresti E. (2007) Assistive Technology, 19(2), 51-60. Show abstract Investigators have discovered that the ratio between a user's reaction time and an appropriate scan rate for that user is approximately .65, which we refer to as 'the .65 rule.' As part of a larger effort to develop software that automatically adapts the configuration of switch access software, data were collected comparing subject performance with a scan rate chosen using the .65 rule and a scan rate chosen by the user. Analysis of the data indicates that for many people, the .65 rule produces a scan rate that is approximately the same as the average switch press time plus 2 standard deviations. Further analysis demonstrates a relationship between the coefficient of variation (the standard deviation divided by the mean) and error rate. If accurate information is available about the mean, standard deviation, and distribution of a client's switch press time, a scan rate can be chosen that will yield a specific error level. If a rigorous statistical approach is impractical, the .65 rule will generally yield a usable scan rate based on mean press time alone.
• A voice-detecting sensor and a scanning keyboard emulator to support word writing by two boys with extensive motor disabilities Lancioni G, Singh N, O'Reilly M, Sigafoos J, Green V, Chiapparino C, Stasolla F, Oliva D. (2009) Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(2), 203-209. Show abstract The present study assessed the use of a voice-detecting sensor interfaced with a scanning keyboard emulator to allow two boys with extensive motor disabilities to write. Specifically, the study (a) compared the effects of the voice-detecting sensor with those of a familiar pressure sensor on the boys' writing time, (b) checked which of the sensors the boys preferred, and (c) conducted a social validation assessment of the boys' performance with the two sensors, employing psychology students as raters. The difference in the boys' overall mean writing time per letter across sensors was, by the end of the study, about 1.5s. This difference favored the pressure sensor for one of the boys and the voice-detecting sensor for the other boy. Both boys showed preference for the voice-detecting sensor. Moreover, the psychology students involved in the social validation assessment indicated that such sensor was more satisfactory, suitable, and educationally relevant than the pressure sensor, and represented the solution that they as raters supported more.
• Bedside computer access for an individual with severe and multiple disabilities: a case study Blain S, McKeever P, Chau T. (2010) Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 5(5), 359-369. Show abstract PURPOSE: This case study documents the process of designing a custom-tailored bedside computer access solution for a 20-year old individual with quadriplegia and reports the effects of computer access on her participation in life activities. METHOD: We adopted a person-focused approach to match the individual to an access solution. Two months after the access solution's introduction, we measured its impact using a 2-dimensional Fitt's Law test and questionnaire from the ISO 9241-9 standards document, typing tests, a usage log and a semi-structured interview. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was also administered pre- and post- access, focusing on the client's perceived ability to use the computer. RESULTS: After 2 months, the individual was spending an average of 8.4 h per day on the computer, engaging in electronic communication, recreational, and educational activities. She learned single-switch typing with a throughput of 1.03 bits/s and targeting accuracy of 87.5%. The questionnaire revealed that the client was thoroughly satisfied with the interface. These results were interpreted as positive gains in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains of communication and social interaction. CONCLUSIONS: By addressing individual goals, abilities and relevant environmental factors, a bedside computer access solution can be developed for individuals in long-term care. The introduction of a computer access solution augmented the participant's communication, leisure and educational activities, as well as perceived independence.
• Evaluation of a non-invasive vocal cord vibration switch as an alternative access pathway for an individual with hypotonic cerebral palsy - a case study Chan J, Falk T, Teachman G, Morin-McKee J, Chau T. (2010) Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 5(1), 69-78. Show abstract PURPOSE: A novel non-invasive vocal cord vibration switch for computer access was designed for an individual with hypotonic cerebral palsy. An evaluative case study was performed to compare the new device to an existing commercially available voice-activated switch in terms of sensitivity, specificity, speed, and user fatigue. METHOD: The participant wrote pangram sentences with the two switches over 4 days with two sessions each day (morning and afternoon). The order of the switches was alternated and a new sentence was used each day. The user's perceived level of exertion was noted before and after each task and activation errors were logged for performance analysis. After using the device for 2 months, a qualitative survey was administered with the participant and his educational assistant. RESULTS: The vocal cord vibration switch outperformed the voice-activated switch in terms of sensitivity (p < 10(-4), t-test), speed (p < 10(-3)), and user-perceived exertion (p < 10(-4)). Qualitatively, both the participant and his educational assistant were more satisfied with the proposed switch relative to his existing solution. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the vocal cord vibration switch provides a promising new alternative for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities who are able to hum or produce vocalizations.
• Use of microswitch technology and a keyboard emulator to support literacy performance of persons with extensive neuro-motor disabilities Lancioni G, O'Reilly M, Singh N, Green V, Chiapparino C, De Pace C, Alberti G, Stasolla F. (2010) Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 13(4), 248-257. Show abstract Objective: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of microswitch technology and a keyboard emulator to enable three participants with extensive neuro-motor disabilities to write words. Method: In Study I, two participants triggered an automatic scanning keyboard and selected/wrote letters via a small sliding movement of their hand(s) activating a touch/pressure panel (microswitch). In Study II, a third participant used the sliding movement and panel and a vocalization response with a voice-detecting microswitch. The sliding movement allowed her to light up the keyboard and select the letters and the vocalization to perform the scanning. Results: Participants showed a better performance (shorter writing time) or an equally effective but less tiring performance with the new microswitch technology and response(s). They also preferred using this technology, and social validation ratings favoured such technology over previous solutions. Conclusion: The aforementioned technology may be useful to enable persons with extensive neuro-motor disabilities to write successfully.
• Microswitch and keyboard-emulator technology to facilitate the writing performance of persons with extensive motor disabilities Lancioni G, Singh N, O'Reilly M, Sigafoos J, Green V, Oliva D, Lang R. (2011) Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(2), 576-582. Show abstract This study assessed the effectiveness of microswitches for simple responses (i.e., partial hand closure, vocalization, and hand stroking) and a keyboard emulator to facilitate the writing performance of three participants with extensive motor disabilities. The study was carried out according to an ABAB design. During the A phases, the participants (one child and two adults) were to write using the responses and technology available to them prior to this study. During the B phases, they used the new responses and technology. Data showed that two of the three participants had a faster writing performance during the B phases while the third participant had a slower writing performance. All three participants indicated a clear preference for the use of the new responses and technology, which were considered relatively easy and comfortable to manage and did not seem to cause any specific signs of tiredness. Implications of the findings are discussed.
• A touch pad and a scanning keyboard emulator to facilitate writing by a woman with extensive motor disability Chiapparino C, Stasolla F, De Pace C, Lancioni G. (2011) Life Span and Disability, 14(1), 45-54. Show abstract This study assessed the use of a touch-pad microswitch and a scanning keyboard emulator to facilitate the writing performance of a woman with extensive motor disability. The touch pad allowed the woman to select the letters and write them with a simple movement of her hand, as they were automatically scanned on the keyboard. The data showed that the woman learned to use this writing approach and her writing time improved (i.e., becoming similar to the time she needed with an adapted version of a regular keyboard). The new approach, contrary to the adapted keyboard, was not particularly tiring and the woman chose to use it at each of the 10 preference checks when she could decide which one to use. University psychology students also provided a positive evaluation of the new approach during a social validation assessment. Implications of the findings were discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)
• Comparison of a row-column speller vs. a novel lateral single-character speller: Assessment of BCI for severe motor disabled patients Pires G, Nunes U, Castelo-Branco M. (2012) Clinical Neurophysiology, 123(6), 1168-1181. Show abstract Objective Non-invasive brain‰ÛÒcomputer interface (BCI) based on electroencephalography (EEG) offers a new communication channel for people suffering from severe motor disorders. This paper presents a novel P300-based speller called lateral single-character (LSC). The LSC performance is compared to that of the standard row-column (RC) speller. Methods We developed LSC, a single-character paradigm comprising all letters of the alphabet following an event strategy that significantly reduces the time for symbol selection, and explores the intrinsic hemispheric asymmetries in visual perception to improve the performance of the BCI. RC and LSC paradigms were tested by 10 able-bodied participants, seven participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), five participants with cerebral palsy (CP), one participant with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and one participant with spinal cord injury (SCI). Results The averaged results, taking into account all participants who were able to control the BCI online, were significantly higher for LSC, 26.11 bit/min and 89.90% accuracy, than for RC, 21.91 bit/min and 88.36% accuracy. The two paradigms produced different waveforms and the signal-to-noise ratio was significantly higher for LSC. Finally, the novel LSC also showed new discriminative features. Conclusions The results suggest that LSC is an effective alternative to RC, and that LSC still has a margin for potential improvement in bit rate and accuracy. Significance The high bit rates and accuracy of LSC are a step forward for the effective use of BCI in clinical applications.
• Validating a model of row-column scanning Mankowski R, Simpson R, Koester H. (2013) Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 8(4), 321-329. Show abstract Purpose: For individuals with severe motor and communicative disabilities, single switch scanning provides a way to access a computer and communicate. A model was developed that utilizes scanning interface settings, error tendencies, error correction strategies, and the matrix configuration to predict a user’s communication rate. Method: Five individuals who use single switch scanning transcribed sentences using an on-screen keyboard configured with the settings from their communication devices. Data from these trials were used as input to a model that predicted TER for the baseline configuration and at least three other system configurations. Participants transcribed text with each of these new configurations and the predicted TER was compared to the actual TER. Results: Results showed that predicted TER was accurate to within 90% on average. The scan rate was also entered into a previously published model which assumes error-free performance. For our model, the average error for each participant was 10.49%, compared to 79.7% for the model assuming error-free performance. Conclusions: Our model of row–column scanning was much more accurate than a model that did not consider the likelihood of an error occurring. There is still room for improvement, however, and the results of the study will lead to additional modifications of the model.
• A man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis uses a mouth pressure microswitch to operate a text messaging system with a word prediction function Lancioni G, Singh N, O'Reilly M, Green V, Ferlisi G, Ferrarese G, Zullo V, Schirone S, Oliva D. (2013) Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 16(5), 315-320. Show abstract 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.
• Method for enhancing text entry rate with single-switch scanning Koester H, Simpson R. (2014) Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 51(6), 995-1012. Show abstract Single-switch scanning is a technique used by some individuals for spoken and/or written communication. We developed a method for adjusting the settings in a single-switch scanning interface to increase a user's text entry rate (TER). We evaluated that method with nine individuals who use single-switch scanning to communicate. Text entry rates improved by an average of 120% (p = 0.003). All nine subjects increased their TER by at least 40%, and five of the nine increased their TER by over 100%. At baseline, TER averaged 1.42 words per minute (wpm), ranging from 0.28 to 2.92 wpm. With the revised settings, TER averaged 2.72 wpm and ranged from 1.12 to 6.51 wpm.
• Effect of dynamic keyboard and word-prediction systems on text input speed in persons with functional tetraplegia Pouplin S, Robertson J, Antoine J, Blanchet A, Kahloun J, Volle P, Bouteille J, Lofaso F, Bensmail D. (2014) Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 51(3), 467-79. Show abstract Information technology plays a very important role in society. People with disabilities are often limited by slow text input speed despite the use of assistive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a dynamic on-screen keyboard (Custom Virtual Keyboard) and a word-prediction system (Sibylle) on text input speed in participants with functional tetraplegia. Ten participants tested four modes at home for 1 mo before choosing one mode and then using it for another month. Initial mean text input speed was around 23 words per minute with the static keyboard and 12 words per minute with the dynamic keyboard. The results showed that, the dynamic keyboard reduced text input speed by 37% compared with the standard keyboard and that the addition of word prediction had no effect on text input speed. The authors have suggested that, current forms of dynamic keyboards and word prediction may not be suitable for increasing text input speed, particularly for subjects who use pointing devices.
• Huffman and Linear Scanning Methods with Statistical Language Models Roark B, Fried-Oken M, Gibbons C. (2015) Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(1), 37-50. Show abstract Sorry, no abstract available.
• Effectiveness and usability of Scanning Wizard software: a tool for enhancing switch scanning Koester H, Simpson R. (2017) Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Show abstract Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system. This study evaluated Scanning Wizard's effectiveness and usability. Ten people who use switch scanning and ten practitioners used Scanning Wizard in the initial session. Usability was high, based on survey responses averaging over 4.5 out of 5, and qualitative feedback was very positive. Five switch users were able to complete the multi-week protocol, using settings on their own scanning system that were recommended from the Scanning Wizard session. Using these revised settings, text entry rates improved by an average of 71%, ranging from 29% to 172% improvement. Results suggest that Scanning Wizard is a useful tool for improving the configuration of scanning systems for people who use switch scanning to communicate. Implications for Rehabilitation Some individuals with severe physical impairments use switch scanning for spoken and written communication. Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system. This study demonstrated high usability of Scanning Wizard (with 10 switch userpractitioner teams) and increased text entry rate by an average of 71% (for five switch users). Results suggest that Scanning Wizard is a useful tool for improving the configuration of scanning systems for people who use switch scanning to communicate.