Real life experiences from the lives of severely disabled speech impaired children
This study investigated the impact of Bliss based computer augmented communication on the daily communication and activities of six severely disabled speech impaired children from a Finnish school for disabled children. Through the case descriptions, which explore the children’s life situations deeply, naturally and realistically, the study shows the ways in which modern computer technology may support severely disabled children to participate in different life environments. The study describes the possibilities and problems of computer augmented communication from the point of view of the children, their discussion partners (e.g. parents, teachers, helpers) and therapists. The study maps challenges and makes recommendations both for adults who live with disabled children and professionals working in the field. A research report based on a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of East London for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on July 2000