Technology to support positive occupational engagement and communication in persons with multiple disabilities

Abstract

Persons with multiple (intellectual and sensory-motor) disabilities can have serious difficulties managing their independent engagement in leisure activities and communication, particularly with partners not present in their immediate environment.This study assessed two versions of a technology-aided program (involving a computer system to present leisure and communication options and a microswitch to choose among them) with four participants with multiple disabilities. Two participants used the first version of the program, which allowed them to choose among leisure (music) options. The other two participants used the second version of the program, which allowed them to choose among leisure (music and videos) and communication (telephone calls) options. Each program version was implemented according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants.Data showed that both program versions were successful in helping the participants achieve the objectives pursued, that is, choose and access leisure or leisure and communication options independently.Technology-aided programs can enable persons with multiple disabilities to manage positive occupational engagement and communication.

Recent Technology-Aided Programs to Support Adaptive Responses, Functional Activities, and Leisure and Communication in People With Significant Disabilities

“…One common trait of many people with intellectual and other disabilities, neurodegenerative diseases, and acquired brain injury is the inability to engage in leisure activities independently (23, 37, 64, 65). This apparent inability may be largely due to difficulties in reaching and operating devices typically used to access leisure activities (e.g., television, computer, and music instruments).…”

“…These problems may be characterized by the people's inability to (a) express their requests for caregivers and staff's attention or make other types of requests, and/or (b) reach relevant partners (e.g., preferred family or staff members) not immediately available in their context. The aforementioned problems may be related to lack of speech and alternative communication options and/or inability to use telephones or other devices to interact with distant partners (2, 37, 70–72). Studies have typically addressed one of the problems (i.e., either the leisure or the communication problem) at a time (1, 24, 29, 37, 73, 74).…”

“…If the individual's specific condition is moderate intellectual disability with sensory and/or motor impairments, or emergence from a minimally conscious state with motor and speech disabilities, support tools might be designed to promote leisure engagement, communication, or both. In the first case, the support tools would serve to present the individual with different leisure options and allow him or her to choose among them with simple responses (24, 37). In the second case, the support tools would serve to offer communication options (e.g., the opportunity to make verbal requests or send text messages) and allow the individual to choose among those options and activate them (29).…”

Capturing the True Value of Assistive Technologies to Consumers in Routine Outcome Measurement

“…3.6.3. Easier (13) Many reported that their AT had made things (tasks/life) easier for them with numerous comments beginning with: It has made it much easier . .…”

“…[family member/carer of a person using a vehicle hoist] 3.6.4. Independence (13) Being able to undertake activities without the assistance of others was also a highly valued outcome of AT.…”