Use of microswitches and speech output systems with people with severe/profound intellectual or multiple disabilities: a literature review

Microswitches and speech output systems are two forms of technology which h ave been used with people with severe/profound intellectual or multiple dis abilities to help them reduce their isolation and interact with the surroun ding world (i.e., thus obtaining environmental stimulation independently or requesting it efficiently). This paper reviews the studies which used micr oswitches and speech output systems with the aforementioned people during t he 1986-1999 period, and discusses the research findings and the practicali ty of these two forms of technology. Some relevant issues for future resear ch are also pointed out. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .