Computer Supported Literacy Project:
Case Study Report
Summary
Age: 11 years
Gender: male
School Placement History: homebound
services at residential care facility, regular educational setting
Education Classification: orthopedically
impaired
Type of Technology: computer
access
Intervention Referral
Jake was referred for writing intervention
subsequent to a bicycle and car collision. Jake received a transection
of his spinal cord at the C1-C2 level resulting in paralysis below his
chin. He had a minor brain injury in the accident and has some visual
concerns (nystagmus and slight acuity problems). Jake is dependent on
a ventilator. He resides at a long-term care facility.
Previous Intervention
Prior to the accident Jake received regular
educational services.
Assessment Summary
Literacy Needs: Jake needed a way
to access written language. He also needed a communication system that
could be used in instances when he was not able to use the valve in his
tracheostomy for verbal communication.
Summary of Technology Assessment:
Technology assessment is outlined in summary of intervention section.
Summary of Intervention
August 1999 ? Jake was assessed at the
care facility where he resides. He was assessed on the Words+ EZKeys system
which allowed multiple means of access. Jake was shown several options
for access including, use of the HeadMouse, scanning with a pneumatic switch
and Morse Code with a pneumatic switch. The HeadMouse was ruled out because
of Jake’s limited range of motion with his head. He was able to access
parts of the screen, but when the device would need to be recalibrated,
Jake was not able to move enough to do so. Scanning with a pneumatic switch
was easy for Jake, but slow and visually fatiguing. Jake liked accessing
with Morse Code and was able to do so quite well. The codes were posted
at the sides of the computer screen. He readily used the codes for mousing
and was able to construct small words quickly. After a trial with the
system Jake obtained his own system.
January 2001 ? Jake re-entered school
in the regular classroom with his same age peers. His academic abilities
were not at grade level, however he had the full time assistance of a paraprofessional/nurse.
He was able to use his computer for writing, but used it on a limited basis.
Outcome Updates
July 2001 -- Jake continues to use the
same system from Words+. He may be re-assessed to determine his ability
to use voice recognition technology. He has not been assessed to this
point because of some limitations of that access mode. Jake would have
to learn to segment his speech because of the ventilator. There is also
the issue of ambient noise. Jake is not in a quiet environment at the
care facility and would not be able to dictate at school. At the time
of the original assessment Jake did not have the reading ability to “train”
the dictation systems. The technology has since be revised and may not
require the same type of training.
Comments
Permission to share this information
is on file at Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics and Rehabilitation, Scottish
Rite Computer Supported Literacy Program.
Technology Intervention
Freedom 2000, Words+
Pneumatic switch, Prentke
Romich Company
Simplicity Wheelchair Mount, Words+
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