Description: This paper discusses research on aphasia. Abstract: Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from brain damage. People who acquire aphasia need rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery. Assessing public awareness of aphasia is critical for development of and access to aphasia-related services. The current study addresses levels of public awareness of aphasia and access to aphasia-related services in an urban area of the State of Kerala, India, a region with potentially high incidence and prevalence of aphasia. Results of an aphasia-awareness survey of 114 urban Kerala residents suggest poor public awareness of aphasia in the population. Less than 10% of those surveyed met criteria for having basic knowledge of aphasia. Semi-structured interviews of two Kerala-based neurologists support the findings of the survey and further suggest that aphasia-related services in the region may be limited. Findings hold implications for development of aphasia services and improvement of the psychosocial life of people who have aphasia.

Description: This paper discusses a research study on the benefits of frequency-modulated (FM) systems for adults and children using cochlear implants. Abstract: Cochlear implants (CIs) can significantly improve hearing for people with severe-to-profound hearing losses, but they do not restore hearing in noise. Frequency-modulated (FM) systems, however, can help combat the interference of background noise. Three kinds of FM receivers can be used with a CI: (1) a classroom soundfield, (2) a desktop soundfield, or (3) a direct-audio input (DAI). There is no consensus, however, on which type of FM system provides the best performance. Speech-recognition data were extracted from eight studies for FM system conditions are noise: (1) CI only, (2) classroom soundfield, (3) desktop soundfield, and (4) DAI. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the improvements in speech recognition with the different receivers. The best performance was with the DAI system, followed by the desktop soundfield. The classroom soundfield provided little or no benefit. Thus, to provide optimal hearing in noise, DAI systems should be the first type of FM system considered for people with CIs.

Description: This poster discusses research on the effects of parent involvement in the development of children with autistic spectrum disorders. Abstract: Parent involvement is extremely important in the development of children with autistic spectrum disorders. There is a direct correlation between problem behaviors in autistic children and the level of dissatisfaction in parents. It is hypothesized that by teaching parents techniques to avoid the development of problem behaviors, the level of parental satisfaction as well as a better parent-child relationship will emerge. Parents will be taught by behavioral specialists how to work with their children to develop positive behaviors. Success of this method will be based on a before-and-after consultation and survey given to the parents. Conclusions will be based on the results of the experiment as well as the parent surveys.

Description: This presentation discusses research on the impact of guardianship on the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. The research methodology is a semi-structured interview with a single participant, an adult who has recently been awarded guardianship of an individual with a developmental disability. In addition, a review of relevant public court documents will be conducted. Ethical and safety risks (the protection of private information) are addressed.

Description: This poster discusses research on type II diabetes prevention. If the Center for Disease Control (CDC) predictions are accurate then by the year 2050 between 40 to 50 million U.S. residents will have the debilitating disease known as type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type II diabetes occurs when the body cannot generate enough insulin. Insulin is important for our bodies to function because it is needed for the body to be able to use glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin causes the cells to absorb glucose. With diabetes, the body has trouble using glucose for energy. As a result, the glucose level in the blood becomes too high. There are some underlying factors such as family and age that predispose one to developing type II diabetes. This does not mean that certain actions cannot be taken to prevent or live a healthy fulfilling life with diabetes. Moderate exercise and eating healthy are two lifestyle changes that greatly impact conquering this epidemic.