New Software Enables PDA Use by Kids and Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Scientists at Spain's University of Granada have developed a system that allows a child or adult to express their emotions and needs such as hunger or toilet needs through a PDA (personal digital assistant). Individuals with intellectual or communication limitations can use this new software, named " SC@UT," as a portable, inexpensive, and adaptive way to communicate.

Portable and Easy to Use

Commonly used PDAs such as the Palm Pilot, BlackBerry, PocketPC, and Psion handheld computer can be used with the SC@UT software, which can be downloaded from the website http://www.ugr.es/~scaut/. The device is then immediately ready to be used for communicating. SC@UT also includes a speaker that transmits the user's comments to listeners.

Less Communication Frustration

The lead researcher of the 13-person team at the University of Granada, Professor José Juan Cañas Delgado, noted that "We have created a configurable parameter tool that allows disabled people to interact with their environment. In this way, their adaptation to a world full of barriers is much easier. In the present world, social and labor integration is impossible without communication and access to education." He added that when communication improves, the disruptive behavior sometimes seen in disabled children decreases, since the frustration of not being able to communicate one's needs is eliminated. (Source: Spirit India; http://www.spiritindia.com/) Does your child have cerebral palsy and special needs? If you suspect that your child's cerebral palsy is due to medical malpractice, contact a qualified attorney to discuss your options.