Evaluating a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of persons with multiple disabilities.

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of two adults with multiple disabilities. The system combined a new control software programme with a commercially available speech recognition programme. Nine word utterances were targeted for each participant. The participant's emission of those utterances triggered the occurrence of related (favourite) stimuli during the intervention and the post-intervention check. Intervention data showed that (1) the participants increased the frequencies of the target utterances and (2) the computer system recognized about 80% of those utterances correctly, providing the participants with high levels of favourite stimulation. The post-intervention check showed comparable data with both participants. The computer system proved an adequate microswitch for word utterances. Based on this evidence, microswitch programmes could be extended beyond the use of conventional motor responses.