Lancioni Giulio E, Bellini Domenico, Oliva Doretta, Singh Nirbhay N, O'Reilly Mark F, Green Vanessa A, Furniss Fred
Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Italy.
Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Jun;17(3):193-9. doi: 10.3109/17518423.2012.758186. Epub 2013 Jan 16.
Assessing a new camera-based microswitch technology, which did not require the use of color marks on the participants' face.
Two children with extensive multiple disabilities participated. The responses selected for them consisted of small, lateral head movements and mouth closing or opening. The intervention was carried out according to a multiple probe design across responses. The technology involved a computer with a CPU using a 2-GHz clock, a USB video camera with a 16-mm lens, a USB cable connecting the camera and the computer, and a special software program written in ISO C++ language.
The new technology was satisfactorily used with both children. Large increases in their responding were observed during the intervention periods (i.e. when the responses were followed by preferred stimulation).
The new technology may be an important resource for persons with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior.
