電腦復康對嚴重智障人士的正面影響

本會曾向香港理工大學的碩士生提供本會製作的軟硬件進行科研。結果顯示，電腦復康軟件對嚴重智障人士能力、適應性及自信心都有正面影響。有關的資料如下，

Local study of the Impact of Computer-Aided Rehabilitation Training Programs on people with severe learning disabilities

Background
People with severe learning disabilities (LD) commonly have complicated psychosocial needs due to multiple disabilities. They lack of active occupation engagement. With the provision of personal computer and assistive technology, people with severe LD may be able to participate in activities, to enjoy joy and happiness, and to perform tasks that promote tasks competence and self-esteem.

Methodology
There is a local study exploring the impact of using assistive technology to people with severe learning disabilities on their rehabilitation training program. The research design of this study was Quasi-experimental repeated measures (3 times) design with one experimental and one control group. Subjects of the control group were received the conventional training program; and subjects of the experimental group were provided a computerized training program based on the use of assistive technology. The study period was covered three months. Data was collected based on the Chinese version of Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS©) which were rated by the proxies of the subjects for three times across baseline, intervention phase (one month later) and evaluation phase (3 months later).

Result
The overall results of the study showed that the median scores of the PIADS scale for the control group were 0.12 after one week, 0.38 after one month and 0.5 after three month. The median scores of the PIADS scale for the experimental group were 0.65 after one week, 1.58 after one month and 1.92 after three month. Results of statistical test showed that there was statistically significant difference both within groups and between two groups at each time point.

Conclusion
Both training programs had positive impact on people with severe learning disabilities in the area of Competence, Adaptability and Self-esteem. The computer-aided rehabilitation training program, moreover, had a much higher positive impact on them than the conventional one.

Reference
Leung K. M. (2007). The Impact of Assistive Technology on People with Severe Learning Disabilities. Unpublished master’s thesis. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong.