Cynthia Tam | University of Aberdeen (original) (raw)
Papers by Cynthia Tam
Ecclesial Practices
Researching with persons using limited speech for communication can be challenging. This paper de... more Researching with persons using limited speech for communication can be challenging. This paper describes methodological considerations in the research process from recruitment to data collection. A case study is included to illustrate the considerations involved in selecting appropriate qualitative research methods to support people with profound autism to be involved in research. Involving people with profound autism in ecclesial studies is essential as it allows them to speak directly into the place of faith in their lives and their needs for a faith community. Recognizing that people with profound autism are competent informants in research, combined with using suitable tools, will also allow us to understand the gifts and indispensability of this group of people to the church.
This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word... more This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word prediction on rate and accuracy of text entry and compared the effect of location of word prediction list on rate and accuracy of text entry. Three locations (upper right corner, following the cursor and lower middle border) were used. In addition. user's perspectives related to the potential benefits of word prediction were explored. Three girls and one boy aged 1012 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of20 days. Rates and accuracy of text entry were measured on a copy-writing trisk. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to evaluate participants' perceived performance and satisfaction with written productivity tasks. This study found that word prediction did not improve rates of text entry but did improve accuracy of text entry when the prediction list was placed in the lower middle border.
This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word... more This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word prediction on rate and accuracy of text entry and compared the effect of location of word prediction list on rate and accuracy of text entry. Three locations (upper right corner, following the cursor and lower middle border) were used. In addition. user's perspectives related to the potential benefits of word prediction were explored. Three girls and one boy aged 1012 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of20 days. Rates and accuracy of text entry were measured on a copy-writing trisk. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to evaluate participants' perceived performance and satisfaction with written productivity tasks. This study found that word prediction did not improve rates of text entry but did improve accuracy of text entry when the prediction list was placed in the lower middle border.
We present results of a usability evaluation of an optical, non-contact interface to electronic m... more We present results of a usability evaluation of an optical, non-contact interface to electronic music for children with physical disabilities. Usability data were collected via questionnaire and retrospective video review. Empirical usability data were organized within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) usability framework and were analyzed with data aggregation and inferential statistics. The technology was found to be significantly more usable among children with disabilities than among their able-bodied peers (p<0.05).
The journal of pastoral care & counseling : JPCC, 2008
This article presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with dis... more This article presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with disability. With language barriers and limited support, immigrant families have difficulties in locating necessary resources for their children. The experience of a support group for parents with children with disabilities in a Canadian Chinese immigrant church is reported and discussed.
International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church
Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 2009
This paper presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with disab... more This paper presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with
disability. With language barriers and limited support, immigrant families have difficulties in
locating necessary resources for their children. The experience of a support group for parents
with children with disabilities in a Canadian Chinese immigrant church is reported.
Assistive Technology the Official Journal of Resna, Sep 17, 2009
Visual-cognitive loads influence the effectiveness of word prediction technology. Adjusting param... more Visual-cognitive loads influence the effectiveness of word prediction technology. Adjusting parameters of word prediction programs can lessen visual-cognitive loads. This study evaluated the benefits of WordQ word prediction software for users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; performance when the prediction window was moved to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device placed at the keyboard level. Twenty-one young people aged 11-14 (11 new users and 10 experienced users) participated in the study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to measure users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; self-ratings of performance and satisfaction. Results of two-tailed paired t-tests reveal significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05) higher performance and satisfaction ratings when the word prediction list was displayed on the PDA. Users reported that it was easier to look for the words at the keyboard level and to select words directly from the PDA. Visual comparisons of the users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; typing speed and accuracy show that experienced users had faster typing rates and new users appeared to have better accuracy when they typed with WordQon the PDA display. Further studies with larger samples of individuals with different diagnoses and ages are required to confirm the benefit of using a PDA display in enhancing typing rate and accuracy.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, Nov 1, 2010
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nov 30, 2006
Background. Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., e... more Background. Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment and model of service delivery) influence the successful use of the technology. Purpose. Using the example of measuring the outcomes of word cueing technology, this paper presents an approach for measuring assistive technology outcomes. Method .T he Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to 29 children
ABSTRACT A literature review was conducted to identify and compare the clinical utility of client... more ABSTRACT A literature review was conducted to identify and compare the clinical utility of client-centred, individualised outcome measures for paediatric rehabilitation. Five measures were identified: the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) (28 studies); Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) (34 studies); Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (PEGS) (2 studies); Target Complaints (TC) (1 study); and the Paediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS) (instruction manual only). The COPM and GAS have been used with children across a wide age range and variety of clinical settings. The PEGS and PACS provided young children direct involvement in the goal-setting process. Little evidence supports the use of TC in paediatrics. Clinicians need to use individualised measures in a way that facilitates the maximal participation of children and families in goal setting and outcome evaluation. Clinicians should document their own role in goal setting. The use of individualised and client-centred measures can motivate children and families and focus their attention on therapy goals.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 2011
There is growing interest in understanding the usefulness of mentorship programs for children&... more There is growing interest in understanding the usefulness of mentorship programs for children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation service providers. This evaluation study examined the effects of an occupational therapy mentorship program on the skills and behaviors of 8 new and 17 experienced occupational therapists practicing at a regional children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation center. Self- and peer-report measures of family-centered behavior, critical thinking ability, listening/interactive communication skill, and clinical behavior were collected before and after an 11-month facilitated, collaborative group mentorship intervention. Significant pre-post changes associated with intervention were found on 9 of 12 outcome measures, including information provision, respectful treatment, self-confidence, and listening and clinical skill. Changes were not found on the more trait-like variables of open-mindedness, interpersonal sensitivity, and interpersonal skill. Experienced therapists had higher scores than new therapists on most variables, including family-centered behavior, listening skill, and clinical skill. Implications regarding the utility of mentorship programs in children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation centers are discussed.
Occupational Therapy International, 2007
Occupational Therapy International, 2002
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2010
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 2011
Standardized writing assessments such as the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) can inform in... more Standardized writing assessments such as the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) can inform interventions for handwriting difficulties, which are prevalent among school-aged children. However, these tests usually involve the laborious task of subjectively rating the legibility of the written product, precluding their practical use in some clinical and educational settings. This study describes a portable computer-based handwriting assessment tool to objectively measure MHA quality scores and to detect handwriting difficulties in children. Several measures are proposed based on spatial, temporal, and grip force measurements obtained from a custom-built handwriting instrument. Thirty-five first and second grade students participated in the study, nine of whom exhibited handwriting difficulties. Students performed the MHA test and were subjectively scored based on speed and handwriting quality using five primitives: legibility, form, alignment, size, and space. Several spatial parameters are shown to correlate significantly (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) with subjective scores obtained for alignment, size, space, and form. Grip force and temporal measures, in turn, serve as useful indicators of handwriting legibility and speed, respectively. Using only size and space parameters, promising discrimination between proficient and non-proficient handwriting can be achieved.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2005
Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment a... more Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment and model of service delivery) influence the successful use of the technology. Using the example of measuring the outcomes of word cueing technology, this paper presents an approach for measuring assistive technology outcomes. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to 29 children with physical and learning disabilities, between the ages of 3.9 and 19 years. Participants were provided with WordQ, a software program designed to assist the development of writing skills. Follow-up data were collected through telephone interviews. The COPM findings supported the effectiveness of WordQ Version 1 to enhance written productivity, with a mean performance change score of 3.5 (SD = 1.5). The COPM was an effective tool for measuring clients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; perceived outcome of word cueing technology. Telephone interview was considered a successful method for collecting outcome data. A mix of tools and methodologies should be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of assistive technology.
Canadian Asso. for …, 2002
Rationale for the Movement to Music System Music therapy is the creative use of music and its ele... more Rationale for the Movement to Music System Music therapy is the creative use of music and its elements by an accredited music therapist to restore, maintain, and improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music's structural, nonverbal and stimulating ...
Ecclesial Practices
Researching with persons using limited speech for communication can be challenging. This paper de... more Researching with persons using limited speech for communication can be challenging. This paper describes methodological considerations in the research process from recruitment to data collection. A case study is included to illustrate the considerations involved in selecting appropriate qualitative research methods to support people with profound autism to be involved in research. Involving people with profound autism in ecclesial studies is essential as it allows them to speak directly into the place of faith in their lives and their needs for a faith community. Recognizing that people with profound autism are competent informants in research, combined with using suitable tools, will also allow us to understand the gifts and indispensability of this group of people to the church.
This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word... more This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word prediction on rate and accuracy of text entry and compared the effect of location of word prediction list on rate and accuracy of text entry. Three locations (upper right corner, following the cursor and lower middle border) were used. In addition. user's perspectives related to the potential benefits of word prediction were explored. Three girls and one boy aged 1012 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of20 days. Rates and accuracy of text entry were measured on a copy-writing trisk. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to evaluate participants' perceived performance and satisfaction with written productivity tasks. This study found that word prediction did not improve rates of text entry but did improve accuracy of text entry when the prediction list was placed in the lower middle border.
This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word... more This study which used a single-subject alternating treatments design evaluated the effect of word prediction on rate and accuracy of text entry and compared the effect of location of word prediction list on rate and accuracy of text entry. Three locations (upper right corner, following the cursor and lower middle border) were used. In addition. user's perspectives related to the potential benefits of word prediction were explored. Three girls and one boy aged 1012 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of20 days. Rates and accuracy of text entry were measured on a copy-writing trisk. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to evaluate participants' perceived performance and satisfaction with written productivity tasks. This study found that word prediction did not improve rates of text entry but did improve accuracy of text entry when the prediction list was placed in the lower middle border.
We present results of a usability evaluation of an optical, non-contact interface to electronic m... more We present results of a usability evaluation of an optical, non-contact interface to electronic music for children with physical disabilities. Usability data were collected via questionnaire and retrospective video review. Empirical usability data were organized within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) usability framework and were analyzed with data aggregation and inferential statistics. The technology was found to be significantly more usable among children with disabilities than among their able-bodied peers (p<0.05).
The journal of pastoral care & counseling : JPCC, 2008
This article presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with dis... more This article presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with disability. With language barriers and limited support, immigrant families have difficulties in locating necessary resources for their children. The experience of a support group for parents with children with disabilities in a Canadian Chinese immigrant church is reported and discussed.
International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church
Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 2009
This paper presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with disab... more This paper presents an overview of the difficulties families face when raising a child with
disability. With language barriers and limited support, immigrant families have difficulties in
locating necessary resources for their children. The experience of a support group for parents
with children with disabilities in a Canadian Chinese immigrant church is reported.
Assistive Technology the Official Journal of Resna, Sep 17, 2009
Visual-cognitive loads influence the effectiveness of word prediction technology. Adjusting param... more Visual-cognitive loads influence the effectiveness of word prediction technology. Adjusting parameters of word prediction programs can lessen visual-cognitive loads. This study evaluated the benefits of WordQ word prediction software for users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; performance when the prediction window was moved to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device placed at the keyboard level. Twenty-one young people aged 11-14 (11 new users and 10 experienced users) participated in the study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to measure users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; self-ratings of performance and satisfaction. Results of two-tailed paired t-tests reveal significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05) higher performance and satisfaction ratings when the word prediction list was displayed on the PDA. Users reported that it was easier to look for the words at the keyboard level and to select words directly from the PDA. Visual comparisons of the users&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; typing speed and accuracy show that experienced users had faster typing rates and new users appeared to have better accuracy when they typed with WordQon the PDA display. Further studies with larger samples of individuals with different diagnoses and ages are required to confirm the benefit of using a PDA display in enhancing typing rate and accuracy.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, Nov 1, 2010
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nov 30, 2006
Background. Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., e... more Background. Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment and model of service delivery) influence the successful use of the technology. Purpose. Using the example of measuring the outcomes of word cueing technology, this paper presents an approach for measuring assistive technology outcomes. Method .T he Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to 29 children
ABSTRACT A literature review was conducted to identify and compare the clinical utility of client... more ABSTRACT A literature review was conducted to identify and compare the clinical utility of client-centred, individualised outcome measures for paediatric rehabilitation. Five measures were identified: the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) (28 studies); Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) (34 studies); Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (PEGS) (2 studies); Target Complaints (TC) (1 study); and the Paediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS) (instruction manual only). The COPM and GAS have been used with children across a wide age range and variety of clinical settings. The PEGS and PACS provided young children direct involvement in the goal-setting process. Little evidence supports the use of TC in paediatrics. Clinicians need to use individualised measures in a way that facilitates the maximal participation of children and families in goal setting and outcome evaluation. Clinicians should document their own role in goal setting. The use of individualised and client-centred measures can motivate children and families and focus their attention on therapy goals.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 2011
There is growing interest in understanding the usefulness of mentorship programs for children&... more There is growing interest in understanding the usefulness of mentorship programs for children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation service providers. This evaluation study examined the effects of an occupational therapy mentorship program on the skills and behaviors of 8 new and 17 experienced occupational therapists practicing at a regional children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation center. Self- and peer-report measures of family-centered behavior, critical thinking ability, listening/interactive communication skill, and clinical behavior were collected before and after an 11-month facilitated, collaborative group mentorship intervention. Significant pre-post changes associated with intervention were found on 9 of 12 outcome measures, including information provision, respectful treatment, self-confidence, and listening and clinical skill. Changes were not found on the more trait-like variables of open-mindedness, interpersonal sensitivity, and interpersonal skill. Experienced therapists had higher scores than new therapists on most variables, including family-centered behavior, listening skill, and clinical skill. Implications regarding the utility of mentorship programs in children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s rehabilitation centers are discussed.
Occupational Therapy International, 2007
Occupational Therapy International, 2002
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2010
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 2011
Standardized writing assessments such as the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) can inform in... more Standardized writing assessments such as the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) can inform interventions for handwriting difficulties, which are prevalent among school-aged children. However, these tests usually involve the laborious task of subjectively rating the legibility of the written product, precluding their practical use in some clinical and educational settings. This study describes a portable computer-based handwriting assessment tool to objectively measure MHA quality scores and to detect handwriting difficulties in children. Several measures are proposed based on spatial, temporal, and grip force measurements obtained from a custom-built handwriting instrument. Thirty-five first and second grade students participated in the study, nine of whom exhibited handwriting difficulties. Students performed the MHA test and were subjectively scored based on speed and handwriting quality using five primitives: legibility, form, alignment, size, and space. Several spatial parameters are shown to correlate significantly (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) with subjective scores obtained for alignment, size, space, and form. Grip force and temporal measures, in turn, serve as useful indicators of handwriting legibility and speed, respectively. Using only size and space parameters, promising discrimination between proficient and non-proficient handwriting can be achieved.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2005
Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment a... more Measurement of assistive technology outcomes is complex because many factors (e.g., environment and model of service delivery) influence the successful use of the technology. Using the example of measuring the outcomes of word cueing technology, this paper presents an approach for measuring assistive technology outcomes. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to 29 children with physical and learning disabilities, between the ages of 3.9 and 19 years. Participants were provided with WordQ, a software program designed to assist the development of writing skills. Follow-up data were collected through telephone interviews. The COPM findings supported the effectiveness of WordQ Version 1 to enhance written productivity, with a mean performance change score of 3.5 (SD = 1.5). The COPM was an effective tool for measuring clients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; perceived outcome of word cueing technology. Telephone interview was considered a successful method for collecting outcome data. A mix of tools and methodologies should be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of assistive technology.
Canadian Asso. for …, 2002
Rationale for the Movement to Music System Music therapy is the creative use of music and its ele... more Rationale for the Movement to Music System Music therapy is the creative use of music and its elements by an accredited music therapist to restore, maintain, and improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music's structural, nonverbal and stimulating ...