NIDILRR Program Database Detailed Record.

Project Type/Research Category: Field Initiated Projects (FIPs).

Funding Priority: Technology for Access and Function.
For more information on NIDILRR's funding priorities, read about NIDILRR's Core Areas of Research in the Long Range Plan at https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2019-01/NIDILRR%20LRP-2018-2023-Final.pdf.

Real World Testing of a Brain-Computer Interface to Operate a Commercial Augmentative and Alternative Communication System.

The Regents of the University of Michigan.
University of Michigan
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
325 East Eisenhower Parkway.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

E-mail: janeh@med.umich.edu khill@pitt.edu.
URL(s): https://pittplusme.org/studyarms/publicdetails?guid=69803c1d-9cad-4d05-9d24-e7b9ac0491a4
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04026581.
Principal Investigator: Jane Huggins, PhD; Katya Hill, PhD.
Public Contact Phone: 734/936-7177.
Project Number: 90IFDV0002. About grant numbers.
Start Date: September 30, 2017.
Length: 36 months.
NIDILRR Officer: Timothy Beatty.
NIDILRR Funding: FY 17 $199,994; FY 18 $200,000; FY 19 $199,998; FY 20 $0 (No-cost extension through 9/29/2021); FY 21 $0 (No-cost extension through 9/29/2022); FY 22 $0 (No-cost extension through 9/29/2023).
Abstract: For the most vulnerable individuals who cannot otherwise access augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, access through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offers the opportunity to obtain AAC’s vital quality-of-life benefits. However, little evidence exists on the features, clinical services, and resources needed to effectively deliver an AAC-BCI. The University of Michigan has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh, the Prentke Romich Company (PRC), and the ICAN Talk Clinic, as well as patients and caregivers, to meet this need. The objectives are to: (1) test an AAC-BCI prototype that advances the effectiveness of current BCI communication, (2) improve the procedures and tools for comprehensive assessment to provide clinical evidence to support AAC-BCI funding, and (3) improve in-home training and treatment necessary for successful daily communication using an AAC-BCI. Anticipated outcomes include: (1) greater AAC access options for stakeholders (individuals, families, and practitioners); (2) improved tools for practitioners to compare access methods and recommend an AAC-BCI; (3) improved AAC-BCI in-home training resources for stakeholders; (4) improved clinical evidence for practitioners to support treatment decisions; and (5) available outcome data to advocate for billing codes and funding of AAC-BCI. The expected products are an AAC-BCI prototype incorporating a commercial high-efficiency AAC device, dry electrode technology, assessment protocols, in-home training materials, and a language sample repository for data sharing.
Descriptors: , Alternative and augmentative communication, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Brain computer interface, Brain injuries, Cerebral palsy.

Documents in REHABDATA: There are no documents related to this project.