Adapting a computer-assisted program to help a post-coma man with extensive multiple disabilities choose stimulus events.

Objective: To adapt an existing computer-assisted program to help a post-coma man with extensive multiple disabilities choose between stimulus events. Method: An adapted version of the program assessed in this study presented the man with 7-second samples of preferred and non-preferred stimuli, without questions, and allowed him to choose any of them through a vocalization response. The man's use of this response to choose a stimulus sample led the computer to present the matching stimulus for 20 seconds. The same response used immediately after the end of the 20-second stimulus presentation led to the repetition of that presentation. Results: The adapted program version was effective in promoting high levels of choice among preferred stimuli and virtually no responding in relation to non-preferred stimuli. Indices of happiness were frequent during the program sessions. Conclusions: Computer-assisted programs for stimulus choice might be successfully adapted to post-coma persons with extensive disabilities.