CURRENT RESEARCH
Safe-laser Access System
The Safe-laser Access System was developed by Invotek, Inc. in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. This system utilizes a specially designed eye-safe laser. The laser remains pulsing at a low, eye-safe level, until it is directed at a laser-sensing surface. This technology has been used by persons with limited movement to communicate as well as to facilitate head movement training. Results of the initial field test trials of this technology have been published (Fager, Beukelman, Karantounis, & Jakobs, 2006) and development of a new laser keyboard is currently underway. This research has been supported by a phase I fast track grant from the NIH. If you are interested in learning more about the Safe-laser Access System or becoming a research participant, please contact us.
- New Prosthetic Interventions for Persons with Severe Dysarthria
This research has been initiated in the Communication Center's Speech Physiology Lab in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Velopharyngeal dysfunction (involving the soft palate resulting in excessive nasal air emission during speech) can be observed in some persons with dysarthria. Palatal lift prostheses are commonly used to compensate for velopharyngeal incompetence. However, there are individuals that cannot be fitted with a palatal lift. In these situations, the researchers at the Communication Center have designed new prosthetic interventions that close off this airflow from the nose (nasal obturator) Current research focuses on development of this cost-efficient prosthesis to improve speech intelligibility. If you would like to learn more about our work in nasal obturation or are interested in being evaluated, please contact us.
- Nasal Obturation Video
Windows Media Player - 57 MB
- Nasal Obturator Video
Quick Time - 29 MB
AccuPoint
The AccuPoint is an absolute head tracking system developed by Invotek, Inc. in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. The Communication Center at Madonna and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been the primary field test sites for this project and this research was supported by a phase 2 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant from NIDRR. The AccuPoint is unique from other head tracking technology in that it 1) requires minimal movement, 2) can be used in a variety of position and lighting environments, and 3) does not require recalibration during use. Participants at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital who have been unable to use other head tracking technology have been able to successfully use the AccuPoint to control a computer, email, use the Internet, write letters, and communicate. To learn more about this technology please visit the Invotek, Inc. website at www.invotek.org.
Speech Supplemented Word Prediction Program (SSWPP)
The SSWPP is currently under development by Invotek, Inc. in collaboration with the Center for Spoken Language Understanding at the Oregon Health & Science University's OGI School of Science and Engineering, and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. The Communication Center has been a field test and data collection site for this project and has been supported through a phase 2 SBIR from NIH. The SSWPP is a unique computer access application that incorporates speech recognition technology optimized for dysarthria speakers along with powerful language modeling. Initial field test results of this technology were encouraging with severely dysarthric individuals able to achieve keystroke savings of up to 66% using the SSWPP. If you would like to learn more about this technology please contact us.
Use of Memory Aids by Survivors of Acquired Brain Injury
The purpose of this study is to compare the relative effectiveness of two intervention strategies directed at helping adult survivors of acquired brain injury compensate for memory deficits. Specifically researchers will contrast the use of written reminders provided via a daily planner with the use of auditory and verbal reminders provided via an AT device. This project is lead by Judy Harvey, M.S. CCC-SLP (Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital) and Karen Hux, Ph.D. (University of Nebraska-Lincoln).
Telehealth Technology
Telehealth technology enables the researchers in the Communication Center to extend participation in these activities to individuals who live in distant and remote locations. The Communication Center currently uses videophones (POTS -Plain Old Telephone System) technology that uses analog telephone lines. To learn more about our use of videophone technology in our research data collection efforts, please contact us.
