Using Accessibility Features to Access Social Media and Improve Quality of Life for People with Aphasia

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between systematic training in the use of accessibility features (e.g., speech recognition and predictive text) and quality of life indicators as measured by the Assessment for Living with Aphasia (ALA). The participants were four people with aphasia, at least one-year post onset. In this single subject design, participants were trained using aphasia friendly materials to use accessibility features to access the social media site Facebook. Quality of life indicators were measured using the ALA prior to training and four weeks after. Additionally, Facebook activity was recorded and a self-report survey was provided to measure changes in comfort and knowledge using Facebook and the accessibility features. Training people with aphasia to access the social networking site increased the number of Original Posts, Likes, Comments, and Shares for three of the four participants. Post training administration of the ALA revealed that participants scored higher on the self-report questions regarding quality of life indicators.