Authors: Fager, Susan¹; Beukelman, Dave²; Karantounis, Renee³; Jakobs, Tom⁴

Source: Augmentative & Alternative Communication, Volume 22, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 222-229(8)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of an intervention involving safe-laser pointing technology on six persons with locked-in syndrome. When these individuals were invited to participate in this project (4 weeks to 18 years post onset), none were able to speak and none were able to access an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. All communicated using eye movements (e.g., looking up or down), eye blinks, dependent scanning strategies with eye movement signals, or eye linking. Following intervention with the Safe-Laser Access System, three of the six participants developed head movement sufficient to control AAC technology. Two participants continue to develop head control; however, their progress has been slowed by repeated illnesses. One participant has discontinued his involvement with the project because of medical and psychological concerns. These six participants represent consecutive referrals to the project.

Keywords: Safe laser technology; Locked-in syndrome; Head pointing; Augmentative and alternative communication

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434610600650318

Affiliations: 1: Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE 2: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE 3: Rose Medical Center, Denver, CO 4: Invotek, Inc., Alma, AR, USA

Publication date: 2006-09-01

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