Using an Optic Sensor and Scanning Keyboard Emulator to Facilitate Writing by Persons with Pervasiv Motor Disorders

The present two studies assessed the use of an optic sensor together with a scanning keyboard emulator to enable two young adults with pervasive motor disabilities to click keyboard keys and, as a result, write. The optic sensor used for the participant of Study 1 was a light-dependent resistor that the participant activated with his tongue. The optic sensor used for the participant of Study II was a photoelectric device mounted on an eyeglasses' frame that the participant activated by turning her eyes. The results showed that the optic sensor together with a scanning keyboard emulator allowed the participants to write fairly satisfactorily. Writing time per letter as well as numbers of words and letters written significantly improved during intervention sessions as opposed to baseline sessions. Preference checks showed that both participants favored the optic sensor and related tongue or eye response over the technology and responses available in baseline. Moreover, teacher trainees and psychology students involved in social validation checks of the intervention program provided fairly positive ratings. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.