Abstract. We present a design framework for a sensor-based stroke rehabilitation system for use at home developed through the analysis of data collected from a series of workshops. Participants had a variety of backgrounds and included people living with stroke and health professionals who work with them. Our focus in these workshops was to learn more about the social context around stroke care, to share early project ideas and develop a design framework for developing systems. In this paper we present a detailed analysis of participant responses and use this analysis to draw specific conclusions about the components and configuration that we believe should be in future systems.

Purpose: To explore users' experiences and perceptions of speech driven environmental control systems as part of a larger project aiming to develop a new speech driven environmental control system. The motivation for this part of the project was to add to the evidence base for the use of speech driven environmental control systems and to determine the key design specifications for a new speech driven system from a user's perspective.Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve users of speech driven environmental control systems from around the UK. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using a qualitative method based on framework analysis. Results:Reliability is the main influence on the use of speech driven environmental control systems. All the participants gave examples of occasions when their speech driven system was unreliable; in some instances this unreliability was reported as not being a problem (e.g. for changing television channels) however it was perceived as a problem for more safety critical functions (e.g. opening a door). Reliability was cited by participants as the reason for using a switch operated system as back up. Benefits of speech driven systems focussed on: speech operation enabling access when other -3 -methods were not possible; quicker operation and better aesthetic considerations. Overall there was a perception of increased independence from the use of speech driven environmental control. Conclusions:In general speech was considered a useful method of operating environmental controls by the participants interviewed however their perceptions regarding reliability often influenced their decision to have backup or alternative systems for certain functions.

This study confirmed the feasibility of a larger trial. It indicated differences in walking velocity and parameters concerning wear of the orthoses that could be explored further. A further crossover trial would require 27 participants in order to show a clinically meaningful difference in velocity of 0.13 ms(-1) with 90% power and alpha of 5%.

Eye gaze technology may be beneficial for individuals with little or no movement of their limbs. Examples of such users are those who have suffered brainstem stroke, MS or high‐level quadriplegia (Cook & Hussey, 2002). Its advantage is that it is a direct access method, with no intermediary steps involved in making a selection, thus, potentially speeding access to applications the user requires (eg. communication and environmental control). Using an eye gaze system may also be preferable for those capable of using an indirect method such as a switch accessible scanning interface. Recent advances in the technology, including demands from clinicians, clients and families, raised awareness, and independent evaluation sources such as the COGAIN (communication by gaze interaction) project have stimulated a competitive commercial market for such systems. In the UK, a number of devices are available through different suppliers. It is vital that careful assessment is conducted prior to choosing an gaze interaction system, an example being that a particular system may not accommodate a large amount of involuntary head movement, such as with athetoid CP. The same system however, may be appropriate for someone with a lesser degree of involuntary movement, as found with spinal cord injury. It is therefore important that the assessment process should include careful consideration of the individuals' strengths, identification of goals and tasks, the environment in which they are to be accomplished and identification of assistive technology options (Aigner & Blalock, 1999). This paper presents two case studies; one describes the assessment and provision of eye gaze technology for a young woman born with severe physical disability and the other for an adult with acquired brain injury.

Aim: This study set out to collect data from assistive technology professionals about their provision of speech-driven environmental control systems. This study is part of a larger study looking at developing a new speech-driven environmental control system. Method:A focus group for assistive technology professionals was conducted.This focus group was recorded, transcribed and then analysed using a framework approach. Results:The analysis suggested that professionals have a 'mental model' of a successful user of a speech-driven system and that in general they consider such systems either as a 'last resort' or to work in parallel with another system as a backup. Perceived poor reliability was highlighted as a major influence in the provision of speech-driven environmental control systems although there were also positive perceptions about the use of speech under controlled circumstances. Comparison with published data from end-users showed that professionals highlighted the majority of issues identified by endusers. Conclusion:Assistive technology professionals think that speech has potential as an access method but are cautious about using speech-driven environmental control systems predominantly due to concerns about reliability. Professionals seem able to empathise well with the challenges faced by end-users in use of these systems.