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Evaluation of an experimental mainstream cellular phone feature to allow use by individuals with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities

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Abstract

This proof-of-concept study evaluated the ability of individuals with moderate to severe cognitive impairments to use a mainstream cellular phone that was programmed with two new experimental interfaces (Flip and Picture modes). Success in placing a call was measured following a brief demonstration or instruction in phone use and again after a brief distraction. Sixteen individuals with Mini-Mental State Examination scores ranging from 6 to 19 (mean = 12.31, SD = 4.39) participated. The success rate using the Standard dialing mode was 12.5% during the instruction phase and 6.3% in the carryover phase. The Flip mode resulted in a 100% success rate for both the Instruction and Carryover phases; the Picture mode resulted in a 100% success rate in the Instruction phase and 81.3% success rate during Carryover phase. A potential application of this work is that mainstream cellular phones could be designed to include a simple feature that would make them usable by people with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities.

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Acknowledgments

This work was primarily funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) through the US Dept. of Education, H133E990006. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Dept. of Education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trace Research and Development Center, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53706-1608, USA

    Mary E. Sesto, Regina K. Nelson, Long Yan & Gregg C. Vanderheiden

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  1. Mary E. Sesto
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  2. Regina K. Nelson
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  3. Long Yan
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  4. Gregg C. Vanderheiden
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Correspondence to Mary E. Sesto.

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Sesto, M.E., Nelson, R.K., Yan, L. et al. Evaluation of an experimental mainstream cellular phone feature to allow use by individuals with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. Univ Access Inf Soc 7, 25–30 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-007-0099-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-007-0099-3

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