Individuals with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) due to neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury and aphasia, experience difficulties in communication and cognition that impact their ability to perform activities of daily living, or ADLs (e.g., self-care, meal preparation, scheduling). Voice assistive technology (VAT) can support the independent performance of ADLs; however, there are limited VAT training programs that teach individuals with CCDs how to properly implement and use VAT for ADLs. The present study examined the implementation of an online training program using Alexa voice commands for five ADL domains (scheduling, entertainment, self-care, news & facts, and meal preparation). Using video analysis with seven adults with CCDs between ages 25 and 82 and interviews with five participants and three caregivers, we synthesized five weeks of training performance, analyzed participants' perceived benefits and challenges, and discussed challenges and opportunities for implementing VAT training for ADLs skills for adults with CCDs.

Due to challenges in communication and cognition (e.g., attention, memory, organization, etc.), individuals with cognitive-communication needs (CCNs) experience difficulties performing activities of daily living, or ADLs (e.g., self-care, meal preparation, managing different routines and appointments). Voice-assisted technology (VAT) has been shown to support these individuals for ADLs; however, there are limited clinician-guided VAT training programs available for individuals with CCNs to use VAT for ADLs. This study aims to design and implement a 6-week virtual VAT training program focused on using Amazon Alexa voice commands to improve independence in ADL tasks for three adults with CCNs. This research study describes the collaborative design process of the VAT Training program by a clinical team and the 6-week delivery of the training program. By analyzing training session videos and participant interviews, the benefits and challenges from the training, as well as future plans to improve the implementation of VAT for telehealth are discussed.