Enabling students with multiple disabilities to request and choose among environmental stimuli through microswitch and computer technology

Research in Developmental Disabilities
Giulio E LancioniSimona Baccani

Abstract

This study assessed the possibility of enabling two students with multiple disabilities to request and choose among environmental stimuli through microswitch and computer technology. Each student was provided with two basic microswitches the activation of which made a computer system present a sample of a preferred or non-preferred stimulus. The student could select or reject such a stimulus by vocal utterances discriminated by the computer system as 'yes' or 'no'. If the student selected the stimulus, the computer system presented it for a preset time. If the student rejected the stimulus, the computer system waited for the next input of one of the basic microswitches. Data showed that both students learned to activate the basic microswitches consistently, selected the preferred stimuli about 90% of the times, and largely rejected the non-preferred stimuli. The students also showed some preferences between the two basic microswitches/responses. The performance was maintained at the post-intervention checks carried out 3 and 6 weeks after the end of the intervention. Implications of the findings are discussed technically, practically, and in terms of quality of life.

References

Jan 1, 1995·Research in Developmental Disabilities·D Felce, J Perry
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Jun 9, 1998·Child: Care, Health and Development·M L KoN Jolleff
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Mar 8, 2003·Research in Developmental Disabilities·Giulio E LancioniDoretta Oliva
Mar 18, 2004·Research in Developmental Disabilities·Giulio E LancioniFerruccio Bettarelli
Apr 3, 2004·Perceptual and Motor Skills·Giulio E LancioniDoretta Oliva
Aug 20, 2005·Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR·G E LancioniA Bosco

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Citations

Mar 21, 2015·Augmentative and Alternative Communication : AAC·Laura RocheVanessa A Green
Aug 8, 2009·Research in Developmental Disabilities·Ching-Hsiang ShihMing-Shan Chiang
Jun 18, 2008·Perceptual and Motor Skills·Giulio E LancioniGabriella Basili
Feb 17, 2018·Aging & Mental Health·Thaiany Pedrozo Campos AntunesLuiz Carlos de Abreu

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