Walker devices and microswitch technology to enhance assisted indoor ambulation by persons with multiple disabilities: three single-case studies

These three single-case studies assessed the use of walker devices and microswitch technology for promoting ambulation behavior among persons with multiple disabilities. The walker devices were equipped with support and weight lifting features. The microswitch technology ensured that brief stimulation followed the participants' ambulation responses. The participants were two children (i.e., Study I and Study II) and one man (i.e., Study III) with poor ambulation performance. The ambulation efforts of the child in Study I involved regular steps, while those of the child in Study II involved pushing responses (i.e., he pushed himself forward with both feet while sitting on the walker's saddle). The man involved in Study III combined his poor ambulation performance with problem behavior, such as shouting or slapping his face. The results were positive for all three participants. The first two participants had a large increase in the number of steps/pushes performed during the ambulation events provided and in the percentages of those events that they completed independently. The third participant improved his ambulation performance as well as his general behavior (i.e., had a decline in problem behavior and an increase in indices of happiness). The wide-ranging implications of the results are discussed.

Technology-based programs to improve walking behavior of persons with multiple disabilities: two single-case studies

PURPOSE

Assessing two technology-based programs for reducing toe walking and breaks during walking of two men with multiple disabilities, respectively.

METHOD

The men were involved in separate single-case studies, each of which was carried out according to an ABAB design. The technology included a microprocessor with specific software, optic sensors, and visual plus vibrotactile or auditory systems for presenting preferred stimuli. In Study I, the man received 1 s of preferred flickering lights and vibratory input for each step performed with the heel of the left foot touching the ground or coming close to it (i.e. within a 2-mm distance). In Study II, the other man received 10 s of preferred music anytime he crossed one of the small marks present along the travel routes.

RESULTS

The B phases showed that (a) the man included in Study I increased the percentages of left- and right-foot steps performed with the heels touching or nearing the ground to above 85% and 70%, respectively, and (b) the man included in Study II walked with very few breaks.

CONCLUSION

Technology-based programs can be highly effective in helping persons with multiple disabilities improve their walking behavior.

Family members' reports of the technology use of family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

A nationwide survey of family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ranging in age from birth through adulthood was conducted to replicate a similar effort by Wehmeyer and update the knowledge base concerning technology use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

METHOD

Survey responses provided information about use of technology for mobility, hearing and vision, communication, independent living, and in the area of computer use. In addition, survey items queried the use of electronic and information technology devices such as use of email, mobile telephones and digital cameras.

RESULTS

Survey results showed that although the use of computers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is more prevalent, other technology use frequency is much the same as in the late 1990s. However, technology needs did vary among school-age individuals over time.

CONCLUSION

Implications of results for technology use of people with disabilities are discussed through the lens of frequency of use and needs for individuals with disabilities.

Technology-based programs to promote walking fluency or improve foot-ground contact during walking: two case studies of adults with multiple disabilities

These two case studies assessed technology-based programs for promoting walking fluency and improving foot-ground contact during walking with a man and a woman with multiple disabilities, respectively. The man showed breaks during walking and the woman presented with toe walking. The technology used in the studies included a microprocessor with specific software, an MP3 with the recordings of preferred stimulus items, and optic sensors. Both studies were carried out according to an ABAB design. In Study I, the optic sensors were activated when the man crossed small marks distributed along the travel routes. At each sensor's activation, the man received a brief period of preferred stimulation. In Study II, the woman received preferred stimulation when the sensors at the toe and the heel of her shoes were activated in close time proximity. The man walked virtually without breaks and improved his mood (with an increase in indices of happiness) during the intervention phases of the study. The woman largely increased her percentages of steps with adequate foot-ground contact, which reached a mean of about 80 during the second intervention phase. The results were discussed in terms of rehabilitation implications and technology demands.

Persons with multiple disabilities use orientation technology to find room entrances during indoor traveling

These two studies assessed adapted orientation technology for promoting correct direction and room identification during indoor traveling by persons with multiple (e.g., sensory, motor and intellectual/adaptive) disabilities. In Study I, two adults were included who had severe visual impairment or total blindness and deafness and used a wheelchair for traveling. In Study II, two adults participated who had visual impairment or total blindness but were ambulatory. All participants were to travel to different rooms located along a hallway to carry out small activities. The orientation technology ensured that the participants received (a) a verbal instruction to go to their right or left and/or a vibratory cue to the right or left side of their body as soon as they exited a room to orient their travel within the hallway and (b) a similar verbal instruction and/or vibratory cue to turn and enter when they reached the next target room entrance. Results of both studies showed that the participants on wheelchairs and those able to ambulate were successful in using the technology, orient their travel, and find the appropriate room entrances. The findings are discussed in relation to the importance of independent indoor traveling and the impact of the new technology.