Related Experiment Videos
Micro-switch programmes for students with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour: assessing response
G E Lancioni1, M F O'Reilly, N N Singh
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy. g.lanconi@psico.uniba.it
Pediatric Rehabilitation
|February 2, 2006
Summary
Three girls with multiple disabilities learned new responses using micro-switch programs. Their choices between responses were primarily influenced by associated stimuli, not just performance rates.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Individuals with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior often face challenges in acquiring and demonstrating learned responses.
- Micro-switch technology offers a potential avenue for communication and response acquisition in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if three girls with multiple disabilities could acquire paired responses via micro-switch programs.
- To analyze the factors influencing response choice, specifically the role of associated stimuli versus inherent response preferences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized micro-switch-based programs to teach paired responses to three girls with multiple disabilities.
- Conducted a response-choice analysis to differentiate between stimulus-driven choices and response preferences.
Main Results:
- All three participants successfully acquired the programmed responses.
- Participants demonstrated clear response choices, predominantly motivated by the stimuli linked to each response.
Conclusions:
- Micro-switch technology is effective for response acquisition in girls with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior.
- Response choices are significantly influenced by associated stimuli, highlighting the importance of stimulus control in intervention design.