Prosthesis ware: Concepts and caveats for microcomputer-based aids to everyday living

Abstract

Two main approaches have been taken in using the microcomputer as an aid to the elderly for everyday living. The first strategy is often termed cognitive rehabilitation and uses the computer as a tutor for the training or retraining of such general cognitive skills as memory or attention. The strength of this strategy is that it is inexpensive and deliverable; its weakness is that it is ineffective for many people because it requires plasticity and the ability to generalize to real-life situations. The second strategy, termed ProsthesisWare, uses the computer as a prosthetic or augmentative device for any deficiencies in cognitive or motor abilities. The strength of the ProsthesisWare approach is that it can be effective in providing compensation and in maintaining the independent home environment that most people desire; its weakness is that it requires acceptance, maintenance, and idiosyncratic customization. As an illustration of the ProsthesisWare program, SpeechWare is presented. This software serves as a prosthetic aid for those who, as a result of stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or other neurological impairment, have lost the ability to communicate and who may also have severe motor impairments. SpeechWare also includes telephone, distance electronic, and written communication functions as well as basic control of household appliances and environment.