Adaptive and Personalized Communication Device Study for Individuals with Severe Motor Impairments

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are developing an Adaptive and Individualized Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC system designed to help individuals with severe motor impairments communicate more effectively. This study focuses on creating a personalized communication device that automatically adapts to the users physical abilities by customizing a comprehensive keyboard interface. The goal is to improve communication access for people who rely on alternative methods due to conditions like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or locked-in syndrome. Participants will use two types of AAC systems during the study an Experimental AAC system featuring wearable sensors to detect movement and muscle activity for cursor control and selection, integrated with an adaptive keyboard and a Generic AAC system similar to devices they normally use, such as eye-tracking with a generic keyboard. Each participant will use both systems in sequence to compare communication performance, with the Experimental AAC aiming to enhance information transfer and user experience. During the study, participants will attend approximately 5 testing sessions involving the use of these AAC systems over about one year. Researchers will assess communication effectiveness using tools such as the Tele-healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire, Information Transfer Rate measurement, and the NASA Task Load Index. Additional evaluations include character movement time, path efficiency, word completion usage, and writing fluency. The study will monitor usability, acceptance, and benefits of the AAC system for people with severe motor challenges.

Adaptive and Individualized AAC Phase II