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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
07:37
Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
A special messaging technology for two persons with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Brain Injury
|August 19, 2010
Summary
This study shows that special messaging technology significantly improved communication for individuals with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities. They achieved higher levels of independent messaging with distant partners.
Area of Science:
- Assistive technology research
- Rehabilitation science
- Communication disorders
Background:
- Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and multiple disabilities often face significant communication barriers.
- Accessible communication tools are crucial for social inclusion and quality of life.
Observation:
- A novel messaging technology was developed, integrating a net-book, specialized software, a global system for mobile communication (GSM) modem, and microswitches.
- The system facilitated sending text messages and listening to incoming messages.
Findings:
- Participants demonstrated a substantial increase in message frequency, sending and receiving approximately double the number of messages during the intervention phase compared to baseline.
- Communication independence significantly improved, with nearly all messages sent and received without assistance during the intervention phase, compared to guided communication during baseline.
Implications:
- Specialized messaging technology holds promise for enhancing independent communication abilities in individuals with complex disabilities.
- This technology can facilitate meaningful connections and social participation for people with ABI and multiple impairments.
- Further research can explore adaptations for diverse communication needs and expand the reach of such assistive solutions.
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01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
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Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
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As a result of their tendency to use...
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Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
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Dyslexia
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