WS 6: Non-invasive BCIs for people with cerebral palsy

10:00pm CET, 4:00pm EDT, 1:00pm PDT, 6:00am AEST, 4:00am (CST)

Registration deadline: May 13, 2021

Presenters
Jane Huggins, University of Michigan
Katya Hill, University of Pittsburgh
Petra Karlsson, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, University of Sydney
Reinhold Scherer, University of Essex

Abstract
Many people with cerebral palsy have complex communication needs. Non-invasive BCIs offer an immediate opportunity for communication and control of technology, despite the remarkable possibilities that invasive BCIs may eventually offer for people with cerebral palsy. These complex communication issues include motor impairment, involuntary movements, lack of educational opportunities, lack of access to technology, difficulty understanding expectations, and difficulties with electrode setup and stability. Together, these issues pose unique demands on the BCI system that may not necessarily be present in other user populations. This workshop will present case studies and discuss challenges to BCI use for people with cerebral palsy, both those who have never established communication and access to augmentative and alternative (AAC) technologies as well as those who are losing access to AAC technologies as they age. The workshop will seek to pool the resources of multiple BCI and AAC labs with experience using non-invasive BCI for people with cerebral palsy and define challenges and potential solutions for BCI use for those with the most severe symptoms from cerebral palsy.

Intended audience
Clinicians, researchers, people with cerebral palsy and their support people who are interested in non-invasive BCIs for communication. This workshop has been developed from a combination of clinical experience and research using P300 and SSVEP, SMR signal sources with people with cerebral palsy.

Learning objectives
1. Describe three key factors important to evaluate when considering non-invasive brain-computer interface for people with cerebral palsy with and without a history of AAC use.
2. Identify three possible ideas for engaging attention or modelling BCI skills for people with cerebral palsy.
3. Identify challenges and possibilities using SSVEP, SMR and P300 signal sources for people with cerebral palsy.