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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Orlando I, Chiariello V, Desideri L. Enabling People With Intellectual and Sensory Disabilities to Trigger a Tablet's Delivery of Task Instructions by Walking to the Tablet: Proof-of-Concept Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 11:e59315. [PMID: 38865701 PMCID: PMC11208835 DOI: 10.2196/59315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual and sensory or sensory-motor disabilities tend to have problems performing multistep tasks. To alleviate their problems, technological solutions have been developed that provide task-step instructions. Instructions are generally delivered at people's request (eg, as they touch an area of a computer or tablet screen) or automatically, at preset intervals. OBJECTIVE This study carried out a preliminary assessment of a new tablet-based technology system that presented task-step instructions when participants with intellectual and sensory disabilities walked close to the tablet (ie, did not require participants to perform fine motor responses on the tablet screen). METHODS The system entailed a tablet and a wireless camera and was programmed to present instructions when participants approached the tablet, that is, when the camera positioned in front of the tablet detected them. Two instructions were available for each task step. One instruction concerned the object(s) that the participants were to collect, and the other instruction concerned the "where" and "how" the object(s) collected would need to be used. For 3 of the six participants, the two instructions were presented in succession, with the second instruction presented once the required object(s) had been collected. For the other 3 participants, the two instructions were presented simultaneously. Instructions consisted of pictorial representations combined with brief verbal phrases. The impact of the system was assessed for each of the 2 groups of participants using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across individuals. RESULTS All participants were successful in using the system. Their mean frequency of correct task steps was close to or above 11.5 for tasks including 12 steps. Their level of correct performance tended to be much lower during the baseline phase when they were to receive the task-step instructions from a regular tablet through scrolling responses. CONCLUSIONS The findings, which need to be interpreted with caution given the preliminary nature of the study, suggest that the new tablet-based technology system might be useful for helping people with intellectual and sensory disabilities perform multistep tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Desideri
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Troccoli O, Orlando I, Ricci C. Enabling people with intellectual and other disabilities to make verbal requests using cardboard chips with mini objects or pictures and a smartphone. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1257493. [PMID: 37841067 PMCID: PMC10568128 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1257493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to help six participants with intellectual disability combined with sensory and motor impairments to make verbal requests through the use of a technology system involving cardboard chips and a smartphone. Method The participants were divided into two groups of three based on whether they did or did not have visual skills. Each group was exposed to the intervention with the technology system according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design. During the 20 min intervention sessions, the participants were provided with a smartphone and nine cardboard chips each of which had a picture or object (i.e., a mini object replica or raised object contour) and several radio frequency identification tags attached to it. To make a request, the participants were to bring a cardboard chip in contact with the smartphone. This read the tags attached to the cardboard and verbalized the request related to that cardboard. Results During the baseline (without cardboard chips and smartphone), the participants' mean frequency of independent requests (all non-verbal requests) varied between zero and near 1.5 per session. During the intervention (with cardboard chips and smartphone), the participants' mean frequency of independent requests (all verbal requests) varied between over 4.5 and about 10 per session. Conclusion The results suggest that the system might be useful to help participants like the ones included in this study to make verbal requests with simple responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Lega F. D’Oro Research Center, Osimo, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F. O’Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Carlo Ricci
- Department of Psychology, Salesian Pontifical University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Jayousi S, Martinelli A, Lucattini P, Mucchi L. ICT Framework for Supporting Applied Behavior Analysis in the Social Inclusion of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6914. [PMID: 37571692 PMCID: PMC10422576 DOI: 10.3390/s23156914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The applied behavior analysis (ABA) model emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors by carrying out decision making using experimental data (behavioral observation assessment strategies). In this framework, information and communication technology (ICT) becomes highly suitable for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the methodology. This paper aims to delve into the potential of ICT in providing innovative solutions to support ABA applications. It focuses on how ICT can contribute to fostering social inclusion with respect to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. ICT offers advanced solutions for continuous and context-aware monitoring, as well as automatic real-time behavior assessments. Wireless sensor systems (wearable perceptual, biomedical, motion, location, and environmental sensors) facilitate real-time behavioral monitoring in various contexts, enabling the collection of behavior-related data that may not be readily evident in traditional observational studies. Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms that are appropriately trained can further assist therapists throughout the different phases of ABA therapy. These algorithms can provide intervention guidelines and deliver an automatic behavioral analysis that is personalized to the child's unique profile. By leveraging the power of ICT, ABA practitioners can benefit from cutting-edge technological advancements to optimize their therapeutic interventions and outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ultimately contributing to their social inclusion and overall wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jayousi
- Department of Information Engineering, Polo Universitario “Città di Prato”, 59100 Prato, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Lucattini
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Mucchi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Desideri L, Buono S. Low-Cost Technology-Aided Programs for Supporting People With Motor, Visual, and Intellectual Disabilities in Functional Forms of Occupation and Communication: Proof-of-Concept Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 10:e44239. [PMID: 36961483 PMCID: PMC10131918 DOI: 10.2196/44239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with motor, visual, and intellectual disabilities may have serious problems in independently accessing various forms of functional daily occupation and communication. OBJECTIVE The study was aimed at developing and assessing new, low-cost technology-aided programs to help people with motor or visual-motor and intellectual disabilities independently engage in functional forms of occupation and communication with distant partners. METHODS Two programs were set up using a smartphone interfaced with a 2-switch device and a tablet interfaced with 2 pressure sensors, respectively. Single-subject research designs were used to assess (1) the first program with 2 participants who were blind, had moderate hand control, and were interested in communicating with distant partners through voice messages; and (2) the second program with 2 participants who possessed functional vision, had no or poor hand control, and were interested in communicating with their partners through video calls. Both programs also supported 2 forms of occupational engagement, that is, choosing and accessing preferred leisure events consisting of songs and music videos, and listening to brief stories about relevant daily topics and answering questions related to those stories. RESULTS During the baseline phase (when only a conventional smartphone or tablet was available), 2 participants managed sporadic access to leisure or leisure and communication events. The other 2 participants did not show any independent leisure or communication engagement. During the intervention (when the technology-aided programs were used), all participants managed to independently engage in multiple leisure and communication events throughout the sessions and to listen to stories and answer story-related questions. CONCLUSIONS The findings, which need to be interpreted with caution given the nature of the study and the small number of participants, seem to suggest that the new programs may be viable tools for helping people with motor or visual-motor and intellectual disabilities independently access leisure, communication, and other forms of functional engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O’Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Fiore A. People with intellectual and multiple disabilities access leisure, communication, and daily activities via a new technology-aided program. Front Psychol 2022; 13:994416. [PMID: 36160503 PMCID: PMC9490367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.994416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People with mild to moderate intellectual or multiple disabilities may have serious difficulties in accessing leisure events, managing communication exchanges with distant partners, and performing functional daily activities. Recently, efforts were made to develop and assess technology-aided programs aimed at supporting people in all three areas (i.e., leisure, communication, and daily activities). This study assessed a new technology-aided program aimed at helping four participants with intellectual and multiple disabilities in the aforementioned areas. The program, which was implemented following a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design, relied on the use of a smartphone or tablet connected via Bluetooth to a two-switch device. This device served to select leisure and communication events and to control the smartphone or tablet’s delivery of step instructions for the activities scheduled. Data showed that during the baseline phase (with only the smartphone or tablet available), three participants failed in each of the areas (i.e., leisure, communication and functional activities) while one participant managed to access a few leisure events. During the intervention phase (with the support of the technology-aided program), all participants managed to independently access leisure events, make telephone calls, and carry out activities. These results suggest that the program might be a useful tool for helping people with intellectual and multiple disabilities improve their condition in basic areas of daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giulio E. Lancioni,
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F. O’Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Chadwick D, Ågren KA, Caton S, Chiner E, Danker J, Gómez‐Puerta M, Heitplatz V, Johansson S, Normand CL, Murphy E, Plichta P, Strnadová I, Wallén EF. Digital inclusion and participation of people with intellectual disabilities during
COVID
‐19: A rapid review and international bricolage. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jppi.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chadwick
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing The University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton UK
| | | | - Sue Caton
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Esther Chiner
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Education University of Alicante Alicante Spain
| | - Joanne Danker
- School of Education University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Marcos Gómez‐Puerta
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Education University of Alicante Alicante Spain
| | | | - Stefan Johansson
- Division of Media Technology and Interaction design KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm Sweden
| | - Claude L. Normand
- Department of Psychoeducation Université du Québec en Outaouais Gatineau Canada
| | - Esther Murphy
- Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Piotr Plichta
- Institute of Pedagogy The University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland
| | - Iva Strnadová
- School of Education University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Eva Flygare Wallén
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society Karolinska Institutet Solna Sweden
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Resta E, Brunone L, D’Amico F, Desideri L. Evaluating a Low-Cost Technology to Enable People with Intellectual Disability or Psychiatric Disorders to Initiate and Perform Functional Daily Activities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189659. [PMID: 34574584 PMCID: PMC8468302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
People with intellectual disability or psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunctions may need assistive technology to maintain and improve their levels of functioning and independence. This study assessed a smartphone-based system to remind the user to initiate functional daily activities (e.g., setting a table for lunch) and perform them without the support of a caregiver. The system was evaluated through a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across two groups of participants. During the intervention sessions, the participants were provided with a system involving a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone fitted with the Easy Alarm YouTube application and audio files. The alarm served to remind the participant to carry out a planned activity. Following the reminder, the smartphone presented each of the step instructions preset for the activity. The data showed a statistically significant increase in the number of activities initiated independently from baseline to intervention for all participants. All participants also showed a significant increase in the number of activity steps correctly performed when supported by the smartphone. These results suggest that a low-cost system (i.e., smartphone) can be used to improve independence of people with intellectual disability or psychiatric disorders with cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Resta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Lucia Brunone
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service “Incontri”, 70017 Bari, Italy;
| | - Fiora D’Amico
- Silver House Health and Care Services, 70011 Bari, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Desideri
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
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