An access technology delivery protocol for children with severe and multiple disabilities: a case demonstration

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology Research
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Effective implementation of access technologies is crucial for individuals with severe disabilities.
• Existing methods may not adequately address the collaborative needs of children and families.
• Response efficiency theory provides a framework for optimizing human-device interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate the Access Technology Delivery Protocol (ATDP), a collaborative approach for implementing access technologies.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of ATDP in a case study involving a child with no reliable means of device access.
• To assess response efficiency, satisfaction, goal attainment, technology use, and participation.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, mixed-methods case study design was employed.
• The ATDP was implemented with a 12-year-old boy using a custom smile-based access technology.
• Evaluations were conducted at 8 and 16 weeks, measuring response efficiency, satisfaction, goal attainment, technology use, and participation.

Main Results:

• The new access technology demonstrated improved response quality at 16 weeks.
• High teacher satisfaction was reported.
• Average technology usage was 3-4 times weekly for up to 1 hour per session.
• Switch sensitivity and specificity reached 78% and 64%, respectively.
• Participation scores increased by 38%.

Conclusions:

• The case study supports the further development and testing of the ATDP.
• The ATDP shows promise for children with multiple or severe disabilities.
• This child and family-centred approach facilitates effective access technology implementation.