Participation through gaze controlled computer for children with multiple disabilities
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset - DART |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 819 000 |
| Project duration | January 2016 - December 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
An information material on methodology and strategies for how to introduce and support the use of gaze-controlled computers have been developed. The target group is those working with children and adolescents with severe multiple disabilities, who lack speech and hand use to control a computer or point to pictures. Also software grids aimed at communication, play and learning activities for children at various levels in terms of age, cognition and communication have been developed.
Expected results and effects
Information material is available for download from Dart’s web site. Software grids developed for nine different profiles are also available for download for those who have the necessary software. The profiles are based on the level of communication combined with the level of ability to control the computer, both ranging from simple to advanced. The grids come with descriptions in text as well as video clips. This material will support both parents and professionals nationwide and in the long run increase the availability to this kind of system for children with multiple disabilities
Planned approach and implementation
The project group has consisted of an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, an educationalist and a computational linguist. A reference group has attended regular meetings throughout the project duration as a support function and given feedback on the website’s design and layout. The information produced has been written based on clinical experiences and available research. Software grids have been developed iteratively during the project and used in Dart’s ongoing clinical patient work. Two speech and language therapy students have assessed the material.