Feasibility of an eye-gaze technology intervention for students with severe motor and communication difficulties in Taiwan
2024 (English)In: Augmentative and Alternative Communication: AAC, ISSN 0743-4618, E-ISSN 1477-3848, Vol. 40, no 3, p. 196-207Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Sustainable development
00. Sustainable Development, 4. Quality education
Abstract [en]
Eye-gaze technology provides access to a computer through the control of eye movements, thus allowing students with severe motor and communication difficulties to communicate and participate in curriculum activities and leisure; however, few studies have investigated whether any challenges exist to its implementation. This study examines the feasibility for teachers, parents, and therapists of applying an eye-gaze technology intervention for students with severe motor and communication difficulties in everyday settings. A mixed-method design was applied, focusing on the acceptability, demands, implementation, and practicality of the technology applications. Data was collected from 16 participants who assisted five students using eye-gaze technology in a previous 6-month intervention. The intervention comprised (a) use of eye-gaze devices with individualized content; and (b) services including training in use, team meetings, and bi-monthly support on implementation problems. The results showed that the participants perceived the technology as appropriate to enhance interaction and understanding of the students' learning and communication messages. Portable and easy-to-adjust systems were crucial to apply eye-gaze technology in different contexts. Improving eye-gaze services was required to afford in-service education, follow-up services, and loaning programs for sustainable implementation. The facilitators and barriers could guide researchers and practitioners to enhance the implementation of eye-gaze technology.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024. Vol. 40, no 3, p. 196-207
Keywords [en]
Acceptability, gaze-controlled computer, implementation, participation, students with severe disabilities
National Category
Human Computer Interaction Occupational Therapy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63269DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2023.2288837ISI: 001123540400001PubMedID: 38085526Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85179656221Local ID: HOA;intsam;926111OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-63269DiVA, id: diva2:1825716
Funder
Clas Groschinski Memorial Foundation2024-01-102024-01-102025-10-13Bibliographically approved