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Ciot C
Pietro, age 7, motor disability: improving independence in communication
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Pietro is 6 years old and he is affected by dystonic quadriplegia and impaired upper limb functionality; he can articulate just a few words, but shows a good level of comprehension. This paper describes the way towards autonomy that the child, his family and the caregivers experienced together. At the beginning, parting from the mother was a great effort for the children, who expressed his discomfort rejecting unknown people and environments. Later, the emotional instability gradually decreased; Pietro became conscious of his abilities, he found fulfilment in them and his interests increased. Therefore it was possible to start a project aiming to the evaluation of assistive devices allowing Pietro to interact with the environment and actively take part in educational activities. An orthosis, keeping the thumb and the wrist aligned, was prescribed for the less impaired arm. In this way Pietro, who was already able to use a device with automatic scansion, could use a communication aid whose vocal output was activated by the pressure of a button. Besides, a multimedia "open" software for the creation of customized educational unities was chosen. Finally, Pietro was given a postural wheelchair allowing the carriage of the communicator and the use of the computer without tiring transfers from the push-chair to the wheelchair.
Year of publication: 2005
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: February 2005
Rescigno L
Elena, 15 years old. Autonomy in daily life for a person with an outcome of severe head injury
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: This paper presents the story of a 15 years old girl that one day, apparently similar to another, going out of school has a car accident. The awakening after the four long, agonizing days in a coma reassures her family, but for Elena is just the beginning of a long journey full of changes and of situations in which it is hard to accept a reality and a body that she does not recognize as hers. The paper describes the progressive return of Elena to a life still to be lived and felt though the circumstances have changed. In particular, we focused on the solutions chosen for mobility (wheelchair with the seating system), for the return home (removal of architectural barriers at home), for personal autonomy and communication (alphabetical communicator and later communication software).
Year of publication: 2009
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2013
Restano Magazzini L
Nazzareno, 52 years old. Autonomy in daily life for a person with ALS
Editorial data: Portale SIVA FondazioneDon Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: Nazzareno is a man aged 52 that in 2004 was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In 2006 he started using a PEG, and since 2007 is tracheostomized and has undergone invasive mechanical ventilation (VMI). He and his family are supported by local services, and Nazzareno is highly motivated to maintain communication skills with family, friends and professionals. Since May 2005 he’s followed by a multidisciplinary staff of the Communication Aids Centre Laboratory: according to the progression of the disease, many software and hardware solutions were found and implemented.
Year of publication: 2009
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: July 2011
Leonzio M
Augmentative and alternative communication in autism
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2011-2012
Abstract: Autism is characterized by impaired communication: appropriate AAC interventions, based on visual and technological aids, can strongly improve functional abilities and social interaction.
Year of publication: 2012
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: December 2012
Info updated 28/03/2024 | Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus - P.IVA 12520870150 | E-mail: portale@siva.it