Article

Navigating high-technology augmentative and alternative communication
(AAC) devices with dynamic displays can be challenging for people with aphasia.
The purpose of this study was to determine which of two AAC interfaces two people
with aphasia could use most efficiently and accurately.
METHOD: The researchers
used a BCB'C' alternating treatment design to provide device-use instruction to
two people with severe aphasia regarding two personalised AAC interfaces that had
different navigation layouts but identical content. One interface had static
buttons for homepage and go-back features, and the other interface had static
buttons in a navigation ring layout. Throughout treatment, the researchers
monitored participants' mastery patterns regarding navigation efficiency and
accuracy when locating target messages. RESULTS: Participants' accuracy and
efficiency improved with both interfaces given intervention; however, the
navigation ring layout appeared more transparent and better facilitated
navigation than the homepage layout. CONCLUSIONS: People with aphasia can learn
to navigate computerised devices; however, interface layout can substantially
affect the efficiency and accuracy with which they locate messages. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Given intervention incorporating errorless learning
principles, people with chronic aphasia can learn to navigate across multiple
device levels to locate target sentences. Both navigation ring and homepage
interfaces may be used by people with aphasia. Some people with aphasia may be
more consistent and efficient in finding target sentences using the navigation
ring interface than the homepage interface. Additionally, the navigation ring
interface may be more transparent and easier for people with aphasia to
master--that is, they may require fewer intervention sessions to learn to
navigate the navigation ring interface. Generalisation of learning may result
from use of the navigation ring interface. Specifically, people with aphasia may
improve navigation with the homepage interface as a result of instruction on the
navigation interface, but not vice versa.

Langue : ANGLAIS