Fortnightly review: Environmental control systems for people with a disability: an update

Wellings, D J; Unsworth, Jim

doi:10.1136/bmj.315.7105.409

Cited by 29 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Significant technological advances have occurred within the control units as processing power has developed, as reported in Wellings & Unsworth (1997) and Vincent et al (2002). However there has been little progression in the method of control of these systems since their advent in the 1960s (Shaw 1962).…”

Section: The Limitations Of Speech Control: Perceptions Of Provision mentioning

confidence: 99%

The limitations of speech control: perceptions of provision of speech‐driven environmental controls

Judge

Robertson

Hawley

2011

Jnl of Assistive Technologies

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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.

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Section: The Limitations Of Speech Control: Perceptions Of Provision mentioning

confidence: 99%

The limitations of speech control: perceptions of provision of speech‐driven environmental controls

Judge

Robertson

Hawley

2011

Jnl of Assistive Technologies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Aids may include unobtrusive control units (eg. remote control for TV), home security (door intercoms, door release and alarms), adapted telephones (such as hands-free control) and lighting and heating/cooling systems (Wellings and Unsworth, 1997). These environmental control units may be used to facilitate function and decrease reliance on carers, improve family dynamics and improve patients' self-esteem (Wellings and Unsworth, 1997).…”

Section: Mobility and Activities Of Daily Livingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…remote control for TV), home security (door intercoms, door release and alarms), adapted telephones (such as hands-free control) and lighting and heating/cooling systems (Wellings and Unsworth, 1997). These environmental control units may be used to facilitate function and decrease reliance on carers, improve family dynamics and improve patients' self-esteem (Wellings and Unsworth, 1997). It is important for patients, families and therapists to work closely together when prescribing and using assistive technology to ensure the correct, safe and optimal use of such aids and equipment; and to anticipate future needs especially with the expense of such technology.…”

Section: Mobility and Activities Of Daily Livingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Ng¹,

Khan²

2012

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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“…Significant developments in environmental control have occurred since the 60s [1][2] [3] predominantly driven by advances in technology such as radio and infrared transceivers, transistors and micro-controllers. These advances have enabled devices to become smaller and portable, perform more functions and no longer be hardwired to the peripheral devices.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Speech-driven environmental control systems – a qualitative analysis of users' perceptions

Judge

Robertson

Hawley

et al. 2009

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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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.

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Fortnightly review: Environmental control systems for people with a disability: an update

Cited by 29 publications

References 18 publications

The limitations of speech control: perceptions of provision of speech‐driven environmental controls

The limitations of speech control: perceptions of provision of speech‐driven environmental controls

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Speech-driven environmental control systems – a qualitative analysis of users' perceptions

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