Using an Extended Automatic Target Acquisition Program with dual cursor technology to assist people with...

Area of Science:

• Assistive technology
• Human-computer interaction
• Developmental disabilities research

Background:

• Existing Extended Automatic Pointing Assistive Program (EAPAP) has limitations in improving pointing performance.
• Pointing is a crucial skill affected in individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Software-based assistive programs offer potential solutions for motor skill deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an Extended Dual Cursor Automatic Pointing Assistive Program (EDCAPAP) for improving pointing performance.
• To determine if EDCAPAP can overcome the limitations of previous assistive pointing software.
• To assess the usability and effectiveness of EDCAPAP for children with developmental disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A within-subject design was employed with two participants with developmental disabilities.
• Baseline, intervention (EDCAPAP), and maintenance phases were implemented sequentially for each participant.
• Intervention phases were staggered to ensure participant performance consolidation before introducing new phases.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated significant improvements in pointing performance during the maintenance phase.
• EDCAPAP enabled participants to position targets more quickly, easily, and accurately.
• The dual-cursor system effectively addressed limitations of prior single-cursor assistive programs.

Conclusions:

• EDCAPAP is an effective assistive technology for enhancing pointing performance in children with developmental disabilities.
• The program offers a viable solution for individuals facing challenges with precise target acquisition.
• Further research can explore EDCAPAP's application across broader populations and diverse tasks.