Effectiveness of a writing system using a Computerized Long- Range Optical Pointer and 10-Branch Abbreviation Expansion

Abstract—Many individuals with limited abilities require specialized technological writing systems. These individu-als and the clinicians and engineers who work with them need information regarding the effectiveness of various systems. This study developed a methodology for assess-ing the effectiveness of a technological writing support system and evaluated its success. The Long-Range Optical Pointer and 10-Branch Abbreviation Expansion System developed at the Trace R&D Center at the University of Wisconsin was used. The study applied a single subject research design: a series of AB replications with natural-ly-occurring baselines comparing data within subjects across behavior, and across subjects. Behaviors assessed included typing rate, efficiency, and accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this system with four individuals with severe physical disabilities and one able-bodied person. Among the data collected, typing rates were found to range from 3 to 15 words per minute, with suspected dependency on familiarity with the system. Discussion highlights the potential benefits of this system and the critical requirement to individually assess a person's needs in order to appropriately select and prescribe these types of technology. The need for further application-oriented single-subject research as well as classical human factors research is emphasized. Key words: writing systems, abbreviation expansion, word acceleration, alternate input, keyboard emulation, physical disability, spinal cord injury. Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Roger O