Evaluating the Applicability of Optic Microswitches for Eyelid Responses in Students With Profound Multiple Disabilities
By Tota, A.; Lancioni, G.E.; Singh, N.N.; O’Reilly, M.F.; Sigafoos, J.; Oliva, D.; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 217-223Publication Date: September 2006
Study conducted to evaluate the usage of optic microswitches for eyelid responses by students with profound multiple disabilities. The microswitch consisted of an optic sensor mounted on the frame of a pair of eyeglasses. The optic sensor consisted of an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) and a mini infrared light detection unit. The study was conducted in two different parts, as Part I involved a young boy who was taught to use a combination of upward eye movements for microswitch activation. In Part II, another adolescent boy was taught to use a new combination of single blink responses with the optic microswitch. In both studies, the LED was positioned in front of the left eye while pointed at the eyelid except for when the participant looked upward. Looking upward decreased the light reflection, which triggered a response. The results of Part I showed that the boy displayed high frequencies of upward eyelid responses, while the results of Part II showed that the second participant performed the single blink response at a significantly higher frequency. The authors contend that the results are encouraging for the implications of using eyelid responses and microswitches for students with profound multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
