Description
This chapter provides an overview of studies that have evaluated the use of assistive technology to improve the communication functioning of individuals with specific types of communication disorders. The studies are divided into three groups based on the nature of the presenting communication disorder. The first group concerns studies that targeted individuals with cerebral palsy. The second group concerns studies on using assistive technology for people with other motor speech disorders, such as apraxia, dysarthria, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The third group consists of studies focused on the use of assistive communication technologies to improve spoken and written language expression in people with aphasia. The final part of this chapter analyzes the overall outcomes of the three groups of studies reviewed, considers the implications of these findings for overall communication and social functioning, and highlights directions for future research.
Citation
Sigafoos, J., Schlosser, R. W., Lancioni, G. E., O’Reilly, M. F., Green, V. A., & Singh, N. N. (2014). Assistive technology for people with communication disorders. In G. Lancioni & N. Singh (Eds.), Assistive technology for people with diverse abilities (pp. 77–112). New York, NY: Springer.