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Microswitch programs for persons with multiple disabilities: an overview of the responses adopted for microswitch
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, 70100, Bari, Italy, g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it.
Cognitive Processing
|January 31, 2008
Summary
Selecting appropriate responses is key for individuals with multiple disabilities to learn using microswitch-aided programs. Non-typical and multiple responses improve engagement and success rates in assistive technology interventions.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Introducing microswitch-aided programs requires selecting reliable and low-effort responses for individuals with multiple disabilities.
- This review examines response strategies used in microswitch activation research over two decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of response types utilized in microswitch activation research.
- To analyze the effectiveness of different response strategies for individuals with multiple disabilities.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of computerized and manual databases was conducted for studies published between 1986 and 2005.
- Forty-eight relevant research studies were identified and categorized based on response types.
Main Results:
- 151 out of 190 participants (79%) showed positive outcomes, indicating successful learning of the response-stimulus association.
- Failures were predominantly observed in studies using a single, typical response.
Conclusions:
- Plausible response selection is crucial for successful microswitch use.
- Non-typical responses are essential for individuals with limited motor abilities.
- Multiple response options enhance engagement and choice, with vocal utterances being a relevant consideration.
