People living with ALS may experience changing speech and movement abilities. Communication support should reflect each person’s preferences, capabilities and care needs.
AAC and access methods
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes approaches such as letter boards, symbol-based interfaces and speech-generating software. Different access methods may be considered with an AAC professional. A method that works for one person may not work for another.
Where MindClick research fits
MindSpeaker is investigating wearable-based control signals as an access method for selecting content in a communication interface. This work is distinct from reading a person’s thoughts or automatically translating intended speech into sentences.
The staged approach under investigation combines a trained residual facial action to open an activation window with an EEG-based selection attempt. The availability of a detectable signal, electrode contact, training and individual variation all matter. The approach is not suitable for everyone, including people who cannot produce the required activation signal.
Research is not an established care option
The benefits, reliability and usability of this configuration in people living with ALS have not yet been established through completed clinical and usability evaluation. A successful demonstration or a result from another BCI system does not establish MindClick’s performance.
MindClick is not currently offered for routine patient use or as a replacement for an existing communication aid. Please discuss current communication support with an AAC professional and the person’s care team.
For community information and support, visit ALS Liga. Professionals interested in our development work can discuss a research partnership.
