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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D’Amico F, Turnone B, Laporta D, Scordamaglia A, Pinto K. Smartphone-Based Interventions to Foster Simple Activity and Personal Satisfaction in People With Advanced Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2019; 34:478-485. [PMID: 31014071 PMCID: PMC10653363 DOI: 10.1177/1533317519844144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study assessed a smartphone-based program to promote practical and mildly demanding arm responses and personal satisfaction and increase physical exertion (heart rates) in people with advanced Alzheimer's disease. METHODS The program relied on a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone with Android 6.0 operating system. Two groups of 10 and 11 participants, respectively, were assigned different responses (ie, placing cards into an elevated box and moving bottles with water from a table into a container). Responses activated the smartphone, which produced brief periods of preferred stimulation. Lack of responding led the smartphone to produce a verbal prompt. RESULTS All participants had significant increases in independent response frequencies, level of personal satisfaction, and heart rates during program sessions as opposed to baseline or control sessions. CONCLUSION A smartphone-based program may help people with advanced Alzheimer's disease increase independent occupation with possible benefits in terms of satisfaction and physical condition.
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Lancioni GE, Olivetti Belardinelli M, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G. Recent Technology-Aided Programs to Support Adaptive Responses, Functional Activities, and Leisure and Communication in People With Significant Disabilities. Front Neurol 2019; 10:643. [PMID: 31312169 PMCID: PMC6614206 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of recent technology-aided programs (i. e., technology-aided support tools) designed to help people with significant disabilities (a) engage in adaptive responses, functional activities, and leisure and communication, and thus (b) interact with their physical and social environment and improve their performance/achievement. In order to illustrate the support tools, the paper provides an overview of recent studies aimed at developing and assessing those tools. The paper also examines the tools' accessibility and usability, and comments on possible ways of modifying and advancing them to improve their impact. The tools taken into consideration concern, among others, (a) microswitches linked to computer systems, and aimed at promoting (i.e., through positive stimulation) minimal responses or functional body movements in individuals with intellectual disabilities and motor impairments; (b) computer systems, tablets, or smartphones aimed at supporting functional activity engagement of individuals with intellectual disabilities or Alzheimer's disease; and (c) microswitches with computer-aided systems, elaborate communication devices, and specifically arranged smartphones or tablets, directed at promoting leisure, communication, or both.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Oliva D, Campodonico F, Groeneweg J. Impact of Favorite Stimuli on the Behavior of Persons with Multiple Disabilities While Using a Treadmill. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0409800505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Campodonico F, Oliva D, Vigo CM. Promoting Walker-Assisted Step Responses by an Adolescent with Multiple Disabilities through Automatically Delivered Stimulation. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0509900205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Oliva D, Groeneweg J. Enabling a Girl with Multiple Disabilities to Control Her Favorite Stimuli through Vocalization and a Dual-Microphone Microswitch. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0509900306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Oliva D. Evaluating Optic Microswitches with Students with Profound Multiple Disabilities. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0309700805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Oliva D, Montironi G. A Computer System Serving as a Microswitch for Vocal Utterances of Persons with Multiple Disabilities: Two Case Evaluations. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0409800211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Campanella C, Grillo G, Tagliente V. A Program Based on Common Technology to Support Communication Exchanges and Leisure in People With Intellectual and Other Disabilities. Behav Modif 2019; 43:879-897. [DOI: 10.1177/0145445519850747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess a new smartphone-based program version to allow seven participants with intellectual plus visual and/or motor disabilities and hesitant speech to send out and receive WhatsApp messages, make telephone calls, and access leisure activities. This program version relied on a Samsung A3 smartphone, which was automated through the MacroDroid application and responded to the input of specific cards and miniature objects. During the baseline (i.e., without the program), the participants’ performance was zero or close to zero on communication and leisure. During the use of the program, the participants increased their frequency of WhatsApp messages sent out and received/listened to, and of leisure activities accessed. Their frequency of telephone calls averaged between virtually zero and slightly above one. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the technology used for the program and the applicability of the program in daily contexts.
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Pidala S, Piazzolla G, Oliva D, Groeneweg J. Research Reports: A Social Validation Assessment of Cooperative versus Individual Task Engagement of Persons with Multiple Disabilities. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0610000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Sigafoos J, Didden R, Oliva D, Severini L. A Microswitch-based Program to Enable Students with Multiple Disabilities to Choose among Environmental Stimuli. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0610000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Singh NN, Lancioni GE, Karazsia BT, Myers RE, Hwang YS, Anālayo B. Effects of Mindfulness-Based Positive Behavior Support (MBPBS) Training Are Equally Beneficial for Mothers and Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or With Intellectual Disabilities. Front Psychol 2019; 10:385. [PMID: 30894823 PMCID: PMC6414461 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (IDs) can be stressful for many parents. Mindfulness-Based Positive Behavior Support (MBPBS) is a customized mindfulness program that enables parents and other caregivers to reduce their perceived psychological stress to normative levels through mindfulness procedures and to support children with ASD or ID to self-manage their challenging behaviors through positive behavior support (PBS). In this study, we evaluated whether MBPBS would have differential effects on the stress levels of mothers of adolescents with ASD (n = 47) or with ID (n = 45) and the effects of the program on the aggressive, disruptive, and compliance behaviors of their children. Both groups of mothers participated in the 40-week study (10 weeks control and 30 weeks MBPBS program), rated their own stress levels, and collected daily observational data on the adolescents' behavior. Results showed significant reductions in the level of stress in both groups of mothers, but no differential effects on mothers of children with ASD or with ID. In addition, significant reductions in aggression and disruptive behavior and increases in compliance behaviors were observed in the adolescents in both groups. The results suggest that MBPBS is equally beneficial for mothers of adolescents with ASD or ID. In the present study, although the mothers of children with ID had slightly higher levels of stress at baseline and mothers of children with ASD had lower levels of stress following the MBPBS program, the program can be considered equally effective in reducing the stress levels of both groups of mothers. This suggests that the program may be effective regardless of baseline levels of mothers' stress.
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Sigafoos J, Oliva D, Campodonico F, Groeneweg J. Helping Three Persons with Multiple Disabilities Acquire Independent Dressing through Assistive Technology. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0710101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Sigafoos J, Didden R, Oliva D, Campodonico F. Two Children with Multiple Disabilities Increase Adaptive Object Manipulation and Reduce Inappropriate Behavior via a Technology-assisted Program. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x1010401107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Oliva D, Severini L, Smaldone A, Tamma M. Microswitch Technology to Promote Adaptive Responses and Reduce Mouthing in Two Children with Multiple Disabilities. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0710101009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the viability of using microswitch clusters (combinations of microswitches) plus contingent stimulation to promote adaptive responding and to reduce aberrant behavior in two children with multiple disabilities. The results revealed that both children increased their adaptive responses, learned to perform these responses free from aberrant behavior, and maintained this level of performance three months later.
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Sigafoos J, Campodonico F, Oliva D. A Wheelchair User with Visual and Intellectual Disabilities Managing Simple Orientation Technology for Indoor Travel. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x0910300509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Grillo G, Turi C. Case series of technology-aided interventions to support leisure and communication in extensive disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 66:180-189. [PMID: 34141380 PMCID: PMC8115613 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2018.1533062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed a new technology-aided program to support independent leisure and communication engagement with people with intellectual and motor or sensory-motor disabilities. Methods: Six adults participated. The program relied on the use of a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 LTE tablet with Android 6.0 Operating System, a NANO SIM card, and the WhatsApp Messenger and MacroDroid applications. The participants were presented with leisure and communication (i.e. text messaging) alternatives, and, based on their choices, with series of steps allowing them to access leisure events or send messages. Results: During baseline, the participants were unable to access leisure events or send messages. During intervention and post-intervention phases, they used the program successfully and spent large percentages of the session time independently engaged in leisure and messaging. Conclusions: A program based on readily available technology may be functional to support leisure and communication in people like the participants of this study.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Grillo G, Turi C. A tablet-based program to enable people with intellectual and other disabilities to access leisure activities and video calls. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 15:14-20. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1508515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Buono S. An Upgraded Smartphone-Based Program for Leisure and Communication of People With Intellectual and Other Disabilities. Front Public Health 2018; 6:234. [PMID: 30211146 PMCID: PMC6122188 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People with intellectual disability and sensory or sensory-motor impairments may display serious problems in managing functional daily activities as well as leisure activities and communication with distant partners. Aim: The study assessed an upgraded smartphone-based program to foster independent leisure and communication activity of eight participants with mild to moderate intellectual disability, sensory or sensory-motor impairments, and limited speech skills. Method: The upgraded program was based on the use of (a) a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone with Android 6.0 Operating System, near-field communication, music and video player functions, and Macrodroid application, and (b) special radio frequency-code labels. Participants requested leisure and communication activities by placing mini objects or pictures representing those activities and containing frequency-code labels on the smartphone. The smartphone, via the Macrodroid application, read the labels (i.e., discriminated the participants' requests) and provided the participants with the activities requested. Results: During the baseline (i.e., in the absence of the program), the participants failed to request/access leisure and communication activities independently. During the post-intervention phase of the study (i.e., using the program), they succeeded in requesting/accessing those activities independently and spent about 70-90% of their session time busy with those activities. Conclusion: The upgraded smartphone-based program may be highly functional for people like the participants of this study.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D’Amico F, Laporta D, Cattaneo MG, Scordamaglia A, Pinto K. Technology-Based Behavioral Interventions for Daily Activities and Supported Ambulation in People With Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 33:318-326. [PMID: 29742903 PMCID: PMC10852424 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518775038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES These 2 studies evaluated technology-based behavioral interventions for promoting daily activities and supported ambulation in people with mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease, respectively. METHODS Study 1 included 8 participants who were taught to start and carry out daily activities on their own using a tablet or smartphone device, which provided activity reminders, step instructions, and praise. Study 2 included 9 participants who were taught to engage in brief periods of ambulation using a walker combined with a tilt microswitch and a notebook computer, which monitored step responses and provided stimulation and prompts. RESULTS The participants of study 1 succeeded in starting the activities independently and carrying them out accurately. The participants of study 2 largely increased their ambulation levels and also showed signs of positive involvement (eg, smiles and verbalizations). CONCLUSION The aforementioned technology-based interventions may represent practical means for supporting people with Alzheimer's disease.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Zimbaro C, Boccasini A, Mazzola C, Russo R. Promoting physical activity in people with intellectual and multiple disabilities through a basic technology-aided program. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2018; 22:113-124. [PMID: 29804524 DOI: 10.1177/1744629516684986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed a technology-aided program (monitoring responding, and ensuring preferred stimulation and encouragements) for promoting physical activity with 11 participants with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Each participant was provided with an exercise device (e.g. a static bicycle and a stepper) and exposed to the program according to an ABAB design, in which A and B represented baseline and intervention phases, respectively. Data recording concerned (a) the participants' responses with the exercise device (e.g. pedaling) during baseline and intervention phases and (b) their heart rates during the last intervention phase. The results showed that all participants had significant increases in responding with the exercise devices during the intervention phases. Heart-rate values during the intervention sessions indicated that the participants' responding during those sessions mostly amounted to moderate-intensity physical activity, with potential benefits for their overall physical condition. Implications of the findings and questions for future research in the area were discussed.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Zimbaro C, Chiariello V, Campodonico F. Supporting leisure and functional activity engagement in people with multiple disabilities via a technology-aided program. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/tad-170182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Campodonico F, Perilli V, Chiariello V, Zimbaro C. A Technology-Aided Program to Support Basic Occupational Engagement and Mobility in Persons with Multiple Disabilities. Front Public Health 2017; 5:338. [PMID: 29322040 PMCID: PMC5732144 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Persons with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities tend to be passive and sedentary. Promoting their occupational engagement and mobility (i.e., indoor walking) can help to modify their condition and improve their environmental input, health, and social image. Aim This study assessed whether a technology-aided program was suitable to (a) support independent occupation and mobility in eight participants with intellectual and sensory disabilities and (b) eventually increase the participants’ heart rates to levels considered beneficial for them. Method The program, which involved a computer system regulating the presentation of auditory or visual cues and the delivery of preferred stimulation, was introduced according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. The auditory or visual cues guided the participants to collect objects from different desks and to transport them to a final destination (i.e., depositing them into a carton). Preferred stimulation was available to the participants for collecting and for depositing the objects. Results During the program, all participants had an increase in their independent responses of collecting objects and transporting them to the final destination. Their heart rates also increased to levels reflecting moderate-intensity physical exercise, potentially beneficial for their health. Conclusion A program, such as that used in this study, can promote occupational engagement and mobility in persons with multiple disabilities.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Zimbaro C, Chiariello V. Using Smartphones to Help People with Intellectual and Sensory Disabilities Perform Daily Activities. Front Public Health 2017; 5:282. [PMID: 29114539 PMCID: PMC5660726 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability and sensory impairments often fail to take initiative in starting and carrying out daily activities, with negative consequences for their occupational condition and social status. Their failure seems due to their inability to determine the right time for the activities and to remember all the activity steps. Aim This study assessed a smartphone intervention, which was designed to help eight participants (four presenting with intellectual disability and blindness and four presenting with intellectual disability and hearing impairment) to independently start and carry out daily activities at appropriate times. Method The intervention was introduced according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. During the intervention, each participant was provided with a smartphone, which was fitted with the time schedule of his or her activities and the verbal or pictorial instructions for the single steps of those activities. When the time for an activity was reached, the participant was automatically reminded to start that activity and, thereafter, he or she was presented with the instructions for it. Results The use of the smartphone intervention promoted great improvement over the baseline for all participants. That is, the participants managed to (a) independently start the activities at the scheduled times and (b) carry out those activities with high levels of accuracy. Conclusion A smartphone intervention, such as that used in this study, may help people with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability and sensory impairments to successfully engage in daily activities.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Zimbaro C, Chiariello V. Supporting leisure and communication in people with visual and intellectual disabilities via a smartphone-based program. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0264619617715497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated a smartphone-based program to promote independent leisure and communication engagement in five participants with visual impairment and mild intellectual disability. A smartphone with Android 5.1 Operating System and S-Voice application, Internet connection, contacts unit, and media player was used. The smartphone was fitted with MP3 files of leisure events and the names and telephone numbers of selected communication partners. The participants were taught to use the smartphone (open the files and reach the partners) through specific verbal utterances. The results showed that all participants learned to use the smartphone. Their independent engagement times (leisure plus communication combined) increased from baseline values of zero to means of between about 75% and 85% of the session lengths. These results indicate that a smartphone-based program may support independent leisure and communication engagement in people with visual impairment and intellectual disability who possess verbal skills.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Perilli V, Campodonico F. Promoting Functional Activity Engagement in People with Multiple Disabilities through the Use of Microswitch-Aided Programs. Front Public Health 2017; 5:205. [PMID: 28848730 PMCID: PMC5554124 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with severe/profound multiple (e.g., intellectual, motor, or sensory–motor) disabilities are frequently restricted to a situation of inactivity and dependence, which may be modified by promoting functional activity engagement through assistive technology. Methods This study assessed the possibility of promoting functional activity engagement via microswitch-aided programs with nine participants with multiple disabilities between 10 and 29 years of age. Functional activity consisted of constructive interaction with the immediate environment (e.g., reaching/touching or putting away objects) through the use of response schemes considered practical and beneficial for the participants’ physical exercise and general condition. Microswitch-aided programs were used to monitor the participants’ responses and to automatically provide stimulation opportunities contingent on those responses. Results All participants had a large/significant increase in their activity engagement (i.e., response frequencies) during the microswitch-aided programs, when compared to the baseline periods. These data, which are in line with previous findings in the area, indicate that the programs targeted activity and responses suitable for the participants and ensured contingent stimulation effective to motivate them. Conclusion People with severe/profound multiple disabilities can engage in functional activity with the help of microswitch-aided programs.
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