Everyday technology to support basic communication and leisure of individuals with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments

Abstract

PurposeThe study was to develop and test a new technology-aided program to support basic communication and leisure of people with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across three participants. During the intervention, the participants used the new program. This relied on a smartphone, a tablet, and radio frequency identification tags, and allowed the participants to make communication and leisure choices via small hand movements. Communication choices involved the possibility of sending messages or making telephone calls to preferred persons. Leisure choices involved the possibility of accessing preferred music, comedy, and sport or television shows.FindingsDuring the intervention, the participants were highly successful in activating communication and leisure events independently. They had mean cumulative engagement times of about 7–8.5 min per 10-min session.Originality/valueThe new program is easily accessible and affordable in terms of the technology components involved and appears highly suitable and friendly for individuals who have only limited hand movement.

People with Neuro-motor Impairment, Lack of Speech, and General Passivity Can Engage in Basic Forms of Activity and Communication with Technology Support

“…People with extensive neuro-motor impairment and lack of speech are known to have very serious problems engaging in occupational or recreational activities and contacting (communicating with) other persons particularly when these persons are not in the immediate proximity, and typically remain passive and marginalized (Anderlini et al, 2019;Barman et al, 2016;D'Amico et al, 2022;Fried-Oken et al, 2012;Holmqvist et al, 2018;Lancioni et al, 2019). Similar problems may also be experienced by people who present with a combination of moderate neuro-motor impairment, cognitive disabilities and lack of speech (D'Amico et al, 2022;Feenaughty et al, 2018;Kassavetis et al, 2022;Lampe et al, 2018;Lancioni et al, 2015). Generally, all these people are provided with conventional forms of treatment such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy (Hassett et al, 2018;Jeyakumar et al, 2023;Park & Kim, 2017;Sureshkumar & Yogarajan, 2021).…”