Technology-assisted writing opportunities for a man emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities

Objective: To assess a computer-aided technology for assisting writing in a man who emerged from a minimally conscious state and presented with extensive motor disabilities. Method: The technology served to present letters, in groups, at the centre of a computer screen and display (write) the letters selected by the man (i.e. through a simplified pointing response) on the upper half of that screen. Results: The results showed that the technology enabled the man to produce clear (readily readable) writing. This writing compared positively with the results obtained using a communication board containing the letters (i.e. a system already available to the man). Conclusion: Computer-aided technology may provide basic writing (communication) opportunities to persons emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities and lack of speech. © 2011 Informa UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved