People with multiple disabilities use assistive technology to perform complex activities at the appropriate time

Abstract

Abstract Background: Persons with moderate/severe intellectual and multiple disabilities may have difficulties determining (a) the times of the day when to engage in specific activities and (b) the sequence of steps needed for those activities. Assistive technology might help them with both requirements. Methods: This study assessed an assistive technology package to (a) remind three adults with multiple (i.e. intellectual and sensory-motor) disabilities of the activities to carry out at the appropriate times of the day and (b) provide them pictorial instructions for the steps of those activities. It included a Galaxy S-3 mini smartphone (by Samsung) for delivering verbal reminders and a Microsoft Surface RT tablet for presenting pictorial instructions concerning the single steps of the activities programmed. The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Results: All three participants were successful in using both components of the technology package and managed to (a) independently start the activities at the scheduled times and (b) perform them with high levels of accuracy (i.e. with mean percentages of correct steps exceeding 90). Conclusion: A technology package may enable persons with multiple disabilities to perform complex activities at the appropriate times.