Publications (231) View all
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Article: A computer-aided telephone system to enable five persons with Alzheimer's disease to make phone calls independently
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ABSTRACT: This studyextendedtheassessmentofacomputer-aidedtelephonesystemtoenablefive patientswithadiagnosisofAlzheimer’sdiseasetomakephonecallsindependently.The patientsweredividedintotwogroupsandexposedtointerventionaccordingtoanon- concurrentmultiplebaselinedesignacrossgroups.Allpatientsstartedwithbaselinein whichthetechnologywasnotavailable,andcontinuedwithinterventioninwhichthe technologywasused.Thetechnologyinvolvedanet-bookcomputerprovidedwith specificsoftware,aglobalsystemformobilecommunicationmodem(GSM),a microswitch,andlistsofpartnerstocallwithrelatedphotos.Allthepatientslearned to usethesystemandmadephonecallsindependentlytoavarietyofpartners,suchas familymembers,friends,andcaregivers.Asocialvalidationassessment,inwhichcareand healthprofessionalsworkingwithpersonswithdementiawereaskedtoratethepatients’ performancewiththetechnologyandwiththehelpofacaregiver,providedgenerally morepositivescoresforthetechnology-assistedperformance.Thepositiveimplicationsof the findingsfordailyprogramsofpatientswithAlzheimer’sdiseasearediscussed.Research in Developmental Disabilities 06/2013; 34(6):1991-1997. · 3.40 Impact Factor -
Article: Walker devices and microswitch technology to enhance assisted indoor ambulation by persons with multiple disabilities: Three single-case studies.
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ABSTRACT: These three single-case studies assessed the use of walker devices and microswitch technology for promoting ambulation behavior among persons with multiple disabilities. The walker devices were equipped with support and weight lifting features. The microswitch technology ensured that brief stimulation followed the participants' ambulation responses. The participants were two children (i.e., Study I and Study II) and one man (i.e., Study III) with poor ambulation performance. The ambulation efforts of the child in Study I involved regular steps, while those of the child in Study II involved pushing responses (i.e., he pushed himself forward with both feet while sitting on the walker's saddle). The man involved in Study III combined his poor ambulation performance with problem behavior, such as shouting or slapping his face. The results were positive for all three participants. The first two participants had a large increase in the number of steps/pushes performed during the ambulation events provided and in the percentages of those events that they completed independently. The third participant improved his ambulation performance as well as his general behavior (i.e., had a decline in problem behavior and an increase in indices of happiness). The wide-ranging implications of the results are discussed.Research in developmental disabilities 04/2013; 34(7):2191-2199. · 4.41 Impact Factor -
Article: A voice-sensitive microswitch for a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and pervasive motor impairment.
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ABSTRACT: Abstract Objective: To assess a voice-sensitive microswitch for a 67-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who had difficulties continuing to use an optic microswitch through small chin movements. Method: The man used the microswitches in combination with a computer-aided program to (a) access preferred songs and videos or make requests, and (b) operate a messaging system to communicate with his wife and sons. To assess the man's performance with the two microswitches, we alternated sessions with one microswitch with sessions with the other. Results: The man's performance with the new microswitch was apparently more efficient (i.e. he could generally activate the new microswitch with a single attempt while he needed a mean of about two attempts for each activation of the optic microswitch). The man also developed a clear preference for the new microswitch. Conclusion: Technology updates are critical within programs for persons with motor degeneration. Implications for Rehabilitation A microswitch that can be used efficiently and without effort is critically important for a person with ALS. The microswitch can be used with programs that allow the person to manage leisure stimulus events, request opportunities and/or text messaging communication. The microswitch needs to be updated (changed) in relation to the person's physical deterioration.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology 04/2013; -
Article: Persons with multiple disabilities use forehead and smile responses to access or choose among technology-aided stimulation events.
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ABSTRACT: A variety of technology-aided programs have been developed to help persons with congenital or acquired multiple disabilities access preferred stimuli or choose among stimulus options. The application of those programs may pose problems when the participants have very limited behavior repertoires and are unable to use conventional responses and microswitches. The present two studies assessed non-conventional response-microswitch solutions for three of those participants. Study I included two participants who were exposed to a program in which forehead skin movement was the response required to access preferred stimulation. The microswitch was an optic sensor combined with a small black sticker on the forehead. Study II included one participant who was exposed to a program in which a smile response was required to choose among stimuli. The microswitch for monitoring the smile was a new camera-based technology. The results of the two studies showed that the response-microswitch solutions were suitable for the participants and enabled them to perform successfully. Implications of the studies for people with limited motor behavior and issues for future research were discussed.Research in developmental disabilities 03/2013; 34(5):1749-1757. · 4.41 Impact Factor -
Article: Comparison of the predictive validity and consistency among preference assessment procedures: A review of the literature.
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ABSTRACT: We reviewed 14 experimental studies comparing different preference assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities that were published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 2012. Studies were summarized based on the following six variables: (a) the number of participants, (b) the type of disability, (c) the number and type of stimuli, (d) the average duration of administration, (e) compared procedures, and (f) results. Studies were also classified in terms of the predictive validity and consistency of the preference assessment results. The results suggest the preference assessment procedures that may produce more accurate predictions for the reinforcing effects of identified stimuli and consistent preference results. The findings are discussed in relation to the previous literature. Evidence based modifications of the most efficient preference assessment are also discussed.Research in developmental disabilities 01/2013; 34(4):1125-1133. · 4.41 Impact Factor
