A Technology-Aided Program to Help People With Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Access Leisure Stimuli and...

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Disability Studies
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disability often face challenges in accessing leisure and participating in cognitive/physical activities.
• These challenges are amplified in those with co-occurring sensory or sensory-motor impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel touch screen program designed to enhance leisure engagement and cognitive/physical activity for adults with intellectual and hearing disabilities.
• The program specifically targets individuals with limited functional speech and motor dexterity.

Main Methods:

• The program integrated preferred stimuli (songs, cartoons) with cognitive tasks (matching-to-sample) and physical exercises (body movements).
• Touch screen technology was modified to accommodate poor motor dexterity, ensuring response effectiveness irrespective of accuracy.
• A single-case research methodology was employed with 7 participants.

Main Results:

• Baseline performance with standard technology was 0% for accessing stimuli, cognitive tasks, and physical activity independently.
• Post-intervention, participants achieved near 100% independent access to stimuli.
• Independent performance for cognitive tasks and physical activity ranged from 90% to 100%.

Conclusions:

• The developed program shows promise as an effective tool for improving leisure access and participation in activities for individuals with intellectual and multiple disabilities.
• Modified touch screen technology can significantly enhance independence and engagement for this population.