Getting IT: Using information technology to empower people with communication difficulties
... Numerous studies (British Department of Health (2001), Weerasinghe et al, (2007) and the Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation (2009)) have revealed that there is a high prevalence of disabilities in our population. People with disabilities find inclusion into society difficult especially owing to their communication disabilities [3]. ...
... It has been proven that the use of computers and the Internet can not only enrich the lives of people with disabilities but can also enhance independence and facilitate a new channel of communication through which users could gain access to information, social interaction, cultural activities, employment opportunities, and even access to consumer goods [3], [4]. However, regrettably only 23.9% of the persons suffering from disabilities even in the United States are likely to have access to computers when compared to non-disabled persons [4]. ...
... The varying nature of disabilities requires customized solutions [6]. Some who suffer from communications disabilities excel at expressing their views via keyboard whilst some benefit from the use of visual symbols and related commercial software such as Makaton or Widgit's Rebus which translates text to symbols and vice versa [3]. The use of symbols in the facilitation of communication in present societal context are readily apparent [7]. ...
The rapid pace of technological advancement and its consequential widening digital divide has resulted in the marginalization of the disabled especially the communication challenged. The dearth of suitable technologies for the development of assistive technologies has served to further marginalize the communications challenged user population and widen this chasm even further. Given the varying levels of disability there and its associated requirement for customized solution based. This paper explains the use of a Software Development Kits (SDK) for the bridging of this communications divide through the use of industry poplar communications SDKs towards identification of requirements for communications challenged users as well as identification of appropriate frameworks for future development initiatives.
... Numerous studies (British Department of Health (2001), Weerasinghe et al, (2007) and the Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation (2009)) have revealed that there is a high prevalence of disabilities in our population. People with disabilities find inclusion into society difficult especially owing to their communication disabilities [3]. ...
... It has been proven that the use of computers and the Internet can not only enrich the lives of people with disabilities but can also enhance independence and facilitate a new channel of communication through which users could gain access to information, social interaction, cultural activities, employment opportunities, and even access to consumer goods [3], [4]. However, regrettably only 23.9% of the persons suffering from disabilities even in the United States are likely to have access to computers when compared to non-disabled persons [4]. ...
... The varying nature of disabilities requires customized solutions [6]. Some who suffer from communications disabilities excel at expressing their views via keyboard whilst some benefit from the use of visual symbols and related commercial software such as Makaton or Widgit's Rebus which translates text to symbols and vice versa [3]. The use of symbols in the facilitation of communication in present societal context are readily apparent [7]. ...
The rapid pace of technological advancement and its consequential widening digital divide has resulted in the marginalization of the disabled especially the communication challenged. The dearth of suitable technologies for the development of assistive technologies has served to further marginalize the communications challenged user population and widen this chasm even further. Given the varying levels of disability there and its associated requirement for customized solution based. This paper explains the use of a Software Development Kits (SDK) for the bridging of this communications divide through the use of industry poplar communications SDKs towards identification of requirements for communications challenged users as well as identification of appropriate frameworks for future development initiatives.
... Numerous studies (British Department of Health (2001), Weerasinghe et al, (2007) and the Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation (2009)) have revealed that there is a high prevalence of disabilities in our population. People with disabilities find inclusion into society difficult especially owing to their communication disabilities [3]. ...
... It has been proven that the use of computers and the Internet can not only enrich the lives of people with disabilities but can also enhance independence and facilitate a new channel of communication through which users could gain access to information, social interaction, cultural activities, employment opportunities, and even access to consumer goods [3], [4]. However, regrettably only 23.9% of the persons suffering from disabilities even in the United States are likely to have access to computers when compared to non-disabled persons [4]. ...
... The varying nature of disabilities requires customized solutions [6]. Some who suffer from communications disabilities excel at expressing their views via keyboard whilst some benefit from the use of visual symbols and related commercial software such as Makaton or Widgit's Rebus which translates text to symbols and vice versa [3]. The use of symbols in the facilitation of communication in present societal context are readily apparent [7]. ...
The rapid pace of technological advancement and its consequential widening digital divide has resulted in the marginalization of the disabled especially the communication challenged. The dearth of suitable technologies for the development of assistive technologies has served to further marginalize the communications challenged user population and widen this chasm even further. Given the varying levels of disability there and its associated requirement for customized solution based. This paper explains the use of a Software Development Kits (SDK) for the bridging of this communications divide through the use of industry poplar communications SDKs towards identification of requirements for communications challenged users as well as identification of appropriate frameworks for future development initiatives.
... CAI users are able to work at their own pace, and the automation means that there is no cost associated with repeated exercises, making intervention more accessible. Current research suggests that children with ASD experience computer interaction as 'safe' [15]. That is, computer systems represent a controlled environment with minimum or no distractions, which is crucial in the educational process for those with ASD. ...
... Given the relative easeof-use and comparative cost-friendliness of this platform, it seems worth investigating the platform's potential for delivering clinically effective therapy for children diagnosed with ASD. The interactive nature of the Kinect platform may have potential for implementing social skills intervention via collaborative virtual worlds, something that has been shown to provide greater benefit than seemingly more isolating mobile technologies such as phones and tablets [26] [15]. In addition, there may be a benefit to using natural interfaces to interact with the games. ...
The number of individuals seeking treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is increasing quickly and families often have difficulty accessing effective therapy. A number of computer assisted interventions (CAI) have been developed in an attempt to address these needs. However, most development of CAI has taken place in the absence of an understanding of how variability in ASD behavioral phenotypes may affect CAI effectiveness. The current effort describes the first step towards developing a framework to understand how behavioral phenotypes among those diagnosed with ASD can inform the design of CAI. Specifically, we propose a four-step methodology to better inform the design and development of such CAI. Generally, these steps involve by (1) identifying a need where CAI is appropriate, (2) identifying a technology or set of technologies that are relevant for that population, (3) identifying an appropriate population that stands to benefit from our CAI, and (4) identifying specific content to be included in our CAI. We also describe the results of an effort applying this proposed methodology for the development of our CAI.
... In first studies aimed at evaluating efficacy and validity of CAT for the habilitation of ASD people, researchers reported a positive effect of CAT, with an increase of pair to pair interaction and skill in communication, and a decrease in repetitive and challenging behaviours [19,20]. Further studies confirmed such a positive effect, with particular relevance of the role of CAT in increasing access to educational programs and decreasing maladaptive behaviours [21][22][23]. CAT is indeed considered a useful medium to provide learning goals as it offers standard, automatic and predictable instructions, avoiding in vivo social behaviour that might overburden people with ASD [10,24]. The automation is also an advantage for the trainer in the case of activities and tasks which need high level of repetition [25,26], and potentially reduces need of individual support at school and/or at work [27]. ...
Applied Computer technologies can address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data on the efficacy of assistive technology in ASD is limited, and its effectiveness in supporting and facilitating skill acquisition in this specific population must be still demonstrated. 63 Italian ASD subjects underwent learning activities administered by cardboards or a touch screen support. The support preference was evaluated in a choice trial, and quantitative analysis was performed on items regarding communication and challenging behaviours. Touch devices are attractive especially for males without intellectual disability and a lower communication and cooperation behaviours with the use of touch screen compared with paper support was shown depending on activities. Overall, our data do not confirm the hypothesis that touch screen presentation improves activity completion and behavioural performance for each individual with ASD. Data discourage an indiscriminate use of these devices and suggest analysing with more attention the core ingredients that should shape digital devices when used for people on ASD.
... For individuals on the autistic spectrum the ability to manage, control, organise, learn, communicate and be creative is accentuated through the use of computer systems. There has been a significant amount of valuable research to show why computers are so important, (Murray, 1997;Murray & Lesser, 1997;Murray & Aspinall, A 2006), and there are many highly imaginative and informative websites, created and maintained by autistic people which are valid testimonials to this research (http://www.gettingthetruthout.org/; http://www.isn.net/~jypsy/). "Computers offer rich opportunities for taking control and making a mark on the environment which, in turn, strengthens the sense of agency, personal achievement and self-esteem. ...
By definition, individuals on the autistic spectrum have difficulties with social interaction and communication; their different cognitive and sensory processing occurs in every modality and can result in a perception of the physical world that is fragmented, alarming and very different from non-autistic people. This can lead to high levels of fear and anxiety and a lack of understanding of the intentions of others. This paper will document part of the Reactive Colours design research project, which has been developing customisable software, called ReacTickles, to engage the unique sensory interests of children on the autistic spectrum and will focus on how the ReacTickles software is being used on interactive whiteboards with young autistic children in a number of UK schools. Whereas the conventional view maintains that educational technology should be interactive, Reactive Colours offers tangible interfaces as an embodied play activity. The benefit of this approach is, I argue, that it elicits outward expression of inner sensation and, as such, encourages greater bodily awareness in autistic children who experience distorted or even disconnected relationship with their body due to proprioceptive and vestibular sensory disorders. The interactive whiteboard removes the necessity to manage control in a confined space and, in so doing, reduces the impediment to bodily expression created by the limited spaces of traditional interfaces.
... Technology can assist in the inclusion of even the most anxious of individuals because it can offer a predictable and controllable medium where various multi-sensory inputs of the real world can be reduced (Keay-Bright, 2008). There is also evidence that technology-enhanced learning can be an effective medium, because technology can be motivating, safe, and emotionally engaging and because many children on the spectrum have a natural affinity with technological devices (Murray & Aspinall, 2006). ...
This paper describes how researchers from diverse research disciplines are working together with design teams of children, carers and practitioners to create an exploratory multimodal environment for children. This learning environment, entitled ECHOES II, aims to be both an educational intervention and an environment through which we research children's learning. It is designed for typically developing (TD) children and children with Asperger's syndrome aged five to seven, with the aim of enabling the children to enhance their social interaction and communication skills. This paper explains the technology development process, which in order to create designs that are relevant to the individual user, is based on a deep relationship between theory, design and practice. We outline our current focus upon the inter-relationships between pedagogy, knowledge about child development, people and technology.
... The Internet has played a very important role in the Autistic community, partly because online communication can be more accessible to individuals who find in-person and telephone communication challenging. [26][27][28][29] Though the rate of Internet use amongst autistic adults has not been studied, it is likely high, with an adage in the autistic community that "the Internet is to autistics as American Sign Language was to the Deaf." 30 Autistic adults have a wealth of information to offer about their experiences, but to our knowledge, no studies elicit information directly from adults on the autism spectrum about their satisfaction with healthcare. Moreover, autistic adults have rarely been included as partners in autism research. ...
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the healthcare experiences of adults on the autism spectrum. Moreover, autistic adults have rarely been included as partners in autism research.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the healthcare experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults via an online survey.
METHODS
We used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to adapt survey instruments to be accessible to autistic adults and to conduct an online cross-sectional survey. We assessed preliminary psychometric data on the adapted scales. We used multivariate analyses to compare healthcare experiences of autistic and non-autistic participants.
RESULTS
Four hundred and thirty-seven participants completed the survey (209 autistic, 228 non-autistic). All adapted scales had good to excellent internal consistency reliability (alpha 0.82–0.92) and strong construct validity. In multivariate analyses, after adjustment for demographic characteristics, health insurance, and overall health status, autistic adults reported lower satisfaction with patient-provider communication (beta coefficient −1.9, CI −2.9 to −0.9), general healthcare self-efficacy (beta coefficient −11.9, CI −14.0 to −8.6), and chronic condition self-efficacy (beta coefficient −4.5, CI −7.5 to −1.6); higher odds of unmet healthcare needs related to physical health (OR 1.9 CI 1.1–3.4), mental health (OR 2.2, CI 1.3–3.7), and prescription medications (OR 2.8, CI 2.2–7.5); lower self-reported rates of tetanus vaccination (OR 0.5, CI 0.3–0.9) and Papanicolaou smears (OR 0.5, CI 0.2–0.9); and greater odds of using the emergency department (OR 2.1, CI 1.8–3.8).
CONCLUSION
A CBPR approach may facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in research by increasing researchers’ ability to create accessible data collection instruments. Autistic adults who use the Internet report experiencing significant healthcare disparities. Efforts are needed to improve the healthcare of autistic individuals, including individuals who may be potentially perceived as having fewer disability-related needs.
... For this reason, children on the autism spectrum generally benefit from using computers. The universality reduced social complexity and controllability afforded by computers can assist in day-to-day independence and functionality [37,38]. Furthermore, a computer can offer a dependable environment for individuals characterised by their obsessive and ritualistic behaviour [21,39]. ...
This article presents a conceptualisation of technologies as simple, ambient forms. By avoiding the tendency to solve problems
and by being open to interaction that emerges through repetition and flow, we argue that technology can offer more for people
than functionality. When the user is given freedom to discover control without burdensome cognitive demands and the fear of
failure, even everyday technologies can arouse curiosity and thus reveal untapped ability. What is unique about our work is
its therapeutic application as a medium for engaging the most hard to reach children on the autism spectrum. Our theoretical
foundations are drawn from the human–computer interaction paradigm of tangible interaction. This is of interest to us as a
framework for the study of the physical and sensory manipulation of information. For children with cognitive and developmental
delays, discovering a close match between physical control and digital response has proved both rewarding and motivating.
The significance of this is illustrated through a range of studies undertaken with children with autism spectrum disorders.
These include a mixed group attending a holiday club, a study that introduced keyboard activities to children with poor receptive
communication and a case study using an ordinary microphone. The research captures emergent, exploratory interaction with
a software application called ReacTickles. The case study uses a specifically customised video coding technique to analyse
idiosyncratic interactions that demonstrate the impact of simple, playful interaction on self-esteem and creativity.
KeywordsAutism spectrum–Tangible–Creativity–Exploratory–Playful interaction–Technology
... 22 The Internet can equalize communication for autistic adults who may experience challenges interpreting body language, who cannot process auditory language in real time, or who require longer response times in conversations. [23][24][25][26] Additionally, the Internet enables ready communication for sparse, geographically dispersed populations who otherwise may have little means to even find each other, let alone interact often enough to develop a sense of community. AASPIRE has community partners from across the United States and one from Germany. ...
Most community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects involve local communities defined by race, ethnicity, geography, or occupation. Autistic self-advocates, a geographically dispersed community defined by disability, experience issues in research similar to those expressed by more traditional minorities.
We sought to build an academic-community partnership that uses CBPR to improve the lives of people on the autistic spectrum.
The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) includes representatives from academic, self-advocate, family, and professional communities. We are currently conducting several studies about the health care experiences and well-being of autistic adults.
We have learned a number of strategies that integrate technology and process to successfully equalize power and accommodate diverse communication and collaboration needs.
CBPR can be conducted successfully with autistic self-advocates. Our strategies may be useful to other CBPR partnerships, especially ones that cannot meet in person or that include people with diverse communication needs.
The aim of this chapter is to discuss a range of computer applications designed to enable people with disabilities to interact through music, dance, and the visual arts. A review of the main motion tracking algorithms and software environments is included as well as an overview of theoretical positions regarding the mapping of real time extracted motion features to sound, interactive music, and computer generated or modified visual content. The chapter concludes with descriptions of how the concepts have been applied to research projects undertaken with different groups of young people with motor limitations and autism spectrum disorders.
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