Technology-aided leisure and communication opportunities for two post-coma persons emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by multiple disabilities.

Two adults came out of a coma but stayed mostly silent. Both had brain injuries and many motor limits.

The team gave each person a small box with a big colored button. A light press triggered a phone-sized screen.

The button let them play music clips, ask for help, or send short texts to caregivers.

Within days both adults hit the button on their own. They picked songs, sent 'I need help' texts, and later chatted about daily events.

Caregivers reported less hovering and more natural talk. Happiness scores rose during sessions.

Smith et al. (2010) reviewed 21 studies and said tech for people in a minimally conscious state is still rare. The new data adds a fresh success story to that thin list.

Robertson et al. (2013) used the same button setup for phone calls. Switching the output to text messages gives a second, solid example that the hardware works across channels.

Stasolla et al. (2013) got similar gains with three kids who had cerebral palsy. Together these studies show microswitch AAC can serve both children and adults with severe motor limits.

If you serve adults who barely speak after brain injury, a single microswitch can open the door to leisure, help requests, and social texting. The gear is cheap, portable, and quick to program. Try starting with one clear function—like sending a 'come here' text—and let the learner expand from there.