Computers in the cognitive rehabilitation of brain-injured persons

Currently there is a rapid expansion of work among rehabilitation professionals in applying computer-assisted instructional technology to remediate cognitive deficits resulting from brain injury. The present article presents a framework for relating the various theoretical, empirical, and clinical challenges raised by the coalescence of two such recently emerging disciplines as computer-assisted instruction and cognitive rehabilitation. These challenges are presented from the perspectives of diverse disciplines, including cognitive science, rehabilitation professions, and computer science. A set of guiding principles are derived for evaluating the potential efficacy of currently existing programs and for directing future developmental work in software design, evaluation research, and service delivery.