Everyday technology to support basic communication and leisure of individuals with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments

PurposeThe study was to develop and test a new technology-aided program to support basic communication and leisure of people with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across three participants. During the intervention, the participants used the new program. This relied on a smartphone, a tablet, and radio frequency identification tags, and allowed the participants to make communication and leisure choices via small hand movements. Communication choices involved the possibility of sending messages or making telephone calls to preferred persons. Leisure choices involved the possibility of accessing preferred music, comedy, and sport or television shows.FindingsDuring the intervention, the participants were highly successful in activating communication and leisure events independently. They had mean cumulative engagement times of about 7–8.5 min per 10-min session.Originality/valueThe new program is easily accessible and affordable in terms of the technology components involved and appears highly suitable and friendly for individuals who have only limited hand movement.