BCI can provide communication for people locked in by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Empirical examination of how disease progression affects brain-computer interface (BCI) performance has not been investigated. This pilot study uses a longitudinal design to investigate changes in P300-BCI use as ALS disability increases. We aimed to (a) examine the relationship between BCI accuracy and the ALS/Functional Rating Scale and (b) examine changes in the event-related potential (ERP) components across time. Eight subjects have been enrolled in the study. BCI accuracy was measured and ERP components were assessed by a principal component analysis (PCA). Two subjects have been followed for an average of nine-months, and BCI accuracy is 99.6%. While many research obstacles remain, these preliminary data help elucidate the relationship between BCI performance and disease progression.

Our objective was to develop and validate a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system suitable for long-term independent home use by people with severe motor disabilities. The BCI was used by a 51-year-old male with ALS who could no longer use conventional assistive devices. Caregivers learned to place the electrode cap, add electrode gel, and turn on the BCI. After calibration, the system allowed the user to communicate via EEG. Re-calibration was performed remotely (via the internet), and BCI accuracy assessed in periodic tests. Reports of BCI usefulness by the user and the family were also recorded. Results showed that BCI accuracy remained at 83% (r -.07, n.s.) for over 2.5 years (1.4% expected by chance). The BCI user and his family state that the BCI had restored his independence in social interactions and at work. He uses the BCI to run his NIH-funded research laboratory and to communicate via e-mail with family, friends, and colleagues. In addition to this first user, several other similarly disabled people are now using the BCI in their daily lives. In conclusion, long-term independent home use of this BCI system is practical for severely disabled people, and can contribute significantly to quality of life and productivity.

The purpose of this design project is to propose qualities in communication that could be considered when developing an assistive communication device for infants with Deafblindness in order to make the infant feel connected to the context and for the caregiver to feel connected to the infant, without having physical contact.In order to investigate the problem definition, What qualities could a device have that supports remote interpersonal non-verbal communication? and the two sub-questions: How can the device instill a sense of security, safety and support? and: How can an infant with Deafblindness sense communication?, human-centred design methods were used through a double diamond process.The design process resulted in six qualities, Direct, Spatially informative, Fluent, Individual, Turn-taking, Feedback and a final concept supporting these qualities.

Due to the advancement in AAC technology, set of medical conditions can be assisted using high-tech AAC, serving more patients with varying communication needs. There need to be more studies about the acceptance of HT-AAC among individuals with complex communication needs, by understanding their attitude and behavioral intentions towards this technology. This thesis aims to extend previous literature and address the gap by exploring the perceptions of SLPs' regarding the acceptance of high-tech AAC and the perceived pitfalls associated with using HT-AAC. An exploratory research method combined with qualitative approach was chosen to answer the research questions and serve the purpose of the study. SLPs recognize the importance of HT-AAC in various aspects of their patients' lives. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive support, specialized training, and addressing implementation challenges to maximize HT-AAC acceptance and usage. By addressing these aspects, HT-AAC can enhance the communication and overall quality of life for patients with communication difficulties. / På grund av framstegen inom AAC-teknik kan uppsättning medicinska tillstånd hjälpas med hjälp av högteknologisk AAC, vilket betjänar fler patienter med varierande kommunikationsbehov. Det behöver göras fler studier om acceptansen av HT-AAC bland individer med komplexa kommunikationsbehov, genom att förstå deras attityd och beteendeintentioner gentemot denna teknik. Den här avhandlingen syftar till att utöka tidigare litteratur och ta itu med klyftan genom att utforska SLPs uppfattningar om acceptansen av högteknologisk AAC och de upplevda fallgroparna som är förknippade med att använda HT-AAC. En explorativ forskningsmetod kombinerad med kvalitativ ansats valdes för att besvara forskningsfrågorna och tjäna syftet med studien. SLPs erkänner vikten av HT-AAC i olika aspekter av deras patienters liv. Resultaten belyser behovet av omfattande stöd, specialiserad utbildning och hantering av implementeringsutmaningar för att maximera acceptans och användning av HT-AAC. Genom att ta itu med dessa aspekter kan HT-AAC förbättra kommunikationen och den övergripande livskvaliteten för patienter med kommunikationssvårigheter.