A man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis uses a mouth pressure microswitch to operate a text messaging system with a word prediction function.

Objective: To assess whether a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis could benefit from using (a) a mouth pressure microswitch instead of an optic microswitch activated via head movement and (b) a special word prediction function within a text messaging system.

Method: Initially, both microswitches were used for operating the text messaging system, and their effectiveness and the man's preference were assessed. Subsequently, only the mouth microswitch was used and the messaging system was provided with a word prediction function.

A voice-sensitive microswitch for a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and pervasive motor impairment.

Objective: To assess a voice-sensitive microswitch for a 67-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who had difficulties continuing to use an optic microswitch through small chin movements.

Method: The man used the microswitches in combination with a computer-aided program to (a) access preferred songs and videos or make requests, and (b) operate a messaging system to communicate with his wife and sons. To assess the man's performance with the two microswitches, we alternated sessions with one microswitch with sessions with the other.

Self-regulated music stimulation for persons with Alzheimer's disease: impact assessment and social validation.

Objective: To assess the impact and the social rating of an active music condition (in which 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease regulated their music input) vs. a passive music condition.

Method: In the active condition, the patients used a simple hand response and a microswitch to activate music stimulation periods.

Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: two single-case studies.

Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement were assessed in single-case studies involving two men with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Study I involved a 51-year-old man with a virtually total loss of his motor repertoire and assessed a technology-aided program aimed at enabling him to (a) write and send out text messages and have incoming messages read to him and (b) establish videophone connections with his children (i.e.