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Jindal N, Sahu S. Exploring the use of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities: experiences from Haryana, India. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:247-253. [PMID: 35605148 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2079008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries. CONCLUSION The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families.Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, andBuilding e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhita Jindal
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sudhansubala Sahu
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India
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Jouira G, Alexe CI, Herlo JN, Moraru CE, Bogdan M, Alexe DI, Mareș G, Sahli S. Effects of Smartphone Activities on Postural Balance in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1810. [PMID: 38002901 PMCID: PMC10670893 DOI: 10.3390/children10111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Considering the rising prevalence of smartphone usage among adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their frequent motor challenges, understanding its impact on their physical well-being is important. This study aims to investigate the impact of smartphone activities on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Two groups of adolescents participated in the study: an intellectual disability group (IDG) (n = 16) and atypical development group (TDG) (n = 12). Static postural balance, using a stabilometric platform on firm and foam surfaces, and dynamic balance, using the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), were performed under various conditions, such as playing a game, watching videos, video calls, and listening to music. The center of pressure (CoP) values significantly increased (p < 0.05) during all smartphone activities (except listening to music) compared to the control condition in both groups, with the IDG demonstrated a more pronounced increase (p < 0.05) during playing video games and video calls on the firm surface. TUGT scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) during smartphone activities, with greater changes observed in the IDG (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during listening to music in both groups. Our study suggests that adolescents with intellectual disabilities need special tools and guidance to ensure their safety and well-being when using smartphones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Jouira
- Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Cristina Ioana Alexe
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Performance, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Julien Narcis Herlo
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Performance, "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad, 310032 Arad, Romania
| | - Cristina Elena Moraru
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Bogdan
- Doctoral School in Sport Science and Physical Education, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dan Iulian Alexe
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Gabriel Mareș
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Sonia Sahli
- Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
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Ijezie OA, Healy J, Davies P, Balaguer-Ballester E, Heaslip V. Quality of life in adults with Down syndrome: A mixed methods systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280014. [PMID: 37126503 PMCID: PMC10150991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the life expectancy of adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with Down syndrome increases for a plethora of reasons including recognition of rights, access, and technological and medical advances, there is a need to collate evidence about their quality of life. OBJECTIVE Using Schalock and Verdugo's multidimensional quality of life assessment model, this systematic review aimed to identify, synthesise and integrate the quantitative and qualitative evidence on quality of life in adults with Down syndrome via self-and proxy-reporting. METHODS Five databases were systematically searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles published between 1980 and 2022 along with grey literature and reference lists from relevant studies. A mixed methods systematic review was performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology using the convergent integrated approach. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies were included: 20 quantitative, 17 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods studies. The synthesised findings were grouped into the 8 core domains of quality of life: personal development, self-determination, interpersonal relations, social inclusion, rights, emotional, physical and material well-being. Of the 39 studies, 30 (76.92%) reported on emotional well-being and 10 (25.64%) on rights. Only 7 (17.94%) studies reported that adults with Down syndrome have a good quality of life centred around self-determination and interpersonal relations. Most adults with Down syndrome wanted to become more independent, have relationships, participate in the community, and exercise their human rights. Self-reported quality of life from adults with Down syndrome was rated higher than proxy reported quality of life. Discrepancies in quality of life instruments were discovered. CONCLUSION This review highlighted the need for a better systematic approach to improving the quality of life in adults with Down syndrome in targeted areas. Future research is required to evaluate self-and proxy-reporting methods and culture-specific quality of life instruments that are more appropriate for adults with Down syndrome. In addition, further studies should consider including digital assistive technologies to obtain self-reported quality of life data in adults with Down syndrome. INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE REGISTER OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019140056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Ann Ijezie
- Department of Computing and Informatics, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Healy
- Department of Social Science and Social Work, Bournemouth University, Lansdowne, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Davies
- Department of Computing and Informatics, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Emili Balaguer-Ballester
- Department of Computing and Informatics, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
- Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vanessa Heaslip
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Abstract
The purpose of the studies presented in this paper was to inform federal regulatory policy concerning the mobile phone industry's level of compliance with the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. The Mobile Phone Accessibility Reviews included phone models from the top four wireless carriers, one prepaid carrier, and five randomly selected Lifeline Carriers. Using the providers' web pages as a reference, researchers identified 215 phone models for the 2015 sample, 214 for the 2017 sample, and 141 mobile phones for the 2019/20 sample. For each phone model, data were collected on the presence of features that impact accessibility and/or were designed to provide access to people with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility disabilities. To illuminate the current state of mobile phone accessibility for people with disabilities, a comparative analysis of mobile phone accessibility features by disability type, phone type (smartphone compared to non-smartphone), and data collection period (2015, 2017, 2019/20) are detailed. Findings showed that, in the aggregate, the accessibility of mobile phones is improving. But accessibility features are not uniformly available in all phone models, and gaps in the accessibility experience persist. Enabling individuals with disabilities to select from the full range of commercially available devices would ensure continued progress toward a more universally inclusive mobile phone market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salimah LaForce
- Center for Advanced Communications Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Unites States
| | - Dara Bright
- Center for Advanced Communications Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Unites States
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People with intellectual and sensory disabilities can independently start and perform functional daily activities with the support of simple technology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269793. [PMID: 35696373 PMCID: PMC9191722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
The study assessed a smartphone-based technology system, which was designed to enable six participants with intellectual disability and sensory impairment to start and carry out functional activities through the use of reminders and verbal or pictorial instructions.
Methods
The technology system involved a Samsung Galaxy A22 with Android 11 operating system and four Philips Hue indoor motion sensors. Three to five activities were scheduled per day. At the time at which an activity was due, the system provided the participant with a reminder followed by the verbal or pictorial instruction for the initial part of the first response (e.g., “Go to the bathroom and take the dirty towels”). The instruction would be available (repeated) until the participant responded to it and, in so doing, activated a sensor. Sensor activation caused the presentation of the instruction for the second part of the same (first) response (e.g., “Put the towels in the laundry machine”). The same process occurred for each of the responses involved in the activity. The system was introduced according to nonconcurrent multiple baseline designs across participants.
Results
During baseline, the mean percentage of activities the participants started independently was below 7; the mean frequency of correct responses per activity was below 0.5 (out of a maximum possible of 8). During the intervention (i.e., with the support of the technology system), the mean percentage and mean frequency values increased to nearly 100 and 8, respectively.
Conclusions
The data suggest that the aforementioned technology system may enable people with intellectual disability and sensory impairment to start and carry out functional activities independent of staff.
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Arun P, Jain S. Use of Smart Phone Among Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disability. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION AND MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 9:447-452. [PMID: 35463831 PMCID: PMC9015905 DOI: 10.1007/s40737-022-00279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Use of Smart phones had created new opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities for the meaningful engagement in different activities during the pandemic situation. Online learning provides extensive opportunities for individuals during this pandemic situation when everything is closed due to the fear of transmission of COVID-19. Similarly individuals with developmental disabilities are also getting opportunity to learn online through Smartphone. Special educators were conducting online classes with students with developmental disabilities to make them meaningfully engaged during this pandemic situation. 415 students and their parents with developmental disabilities were approached by their special educators on telephone to know if they can use smartphone. This paper reports on use of Smart phones by individuals with developmental disabilities. It was found that they can learn academics like others if there is availability of Smart phones during daytime and proper training and assistance provided by parents or sibling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Arun
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India
- Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Sector 31, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shikha Jain
- Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Sector 31, Chandigarh, India
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Tan BL, Shi J, Yang S, Loh H, Ng D, Choo C, Medalia A. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1055204. [PMID: 36590624 PMCID: PMC9794993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1055204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Virtual reality and augmented reality have been used in psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in recent years, to provide functional training in a scaffolded and appealing manner. This systematic review attempted to evaluate (1) how virtual reality or augmented reality technology was deployed, when used as an intervention for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders; and (2) how virtual or augmented reality-assisted psychosocial rehabilitation programs impacted on the functional domains of community living, employment and social participation. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was adopted and a search of publications between June 2012 and June 2022 was carried out. The target groups were adults with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Interventions that targeted at least one functional domain were included. RESULTS The database search generated 1,267 records and 38 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies utilized augmented reality while the rest utilized virtual reality. The virtual scenarios were displayed in various ways, such as head-mounted displays, computer screens, mobile devices and cave rooms. A few studies also used features such as speech recognition, eye tracking and motion-capture device to provide real-time feedback to participants during rehabilitation. Eleven studies reported interventions that addressed community living, 15 studies addressed vocational skills and nine studies trained participants in social skills or social cognition. Three studies sought to improve quality of life using virtual scenarios to expose participants to various situations. Majority of these studies reported preliminary promising results, with improvement in the functional domains addressed. However, several studies had small sample sizes and many single-arm pretest-posttest studies were assessed to be of serious or critical risk of bias. CONCLUSION Virtual reality and augmented reality are deployed in various ways to augment psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. Most interventions target skills training or strategy learning in the areas of community living, work and social participation. Preliminary positive findings of their effects on functional performance were reported. Larger and robust studies using ecologically valid outcome measures will be needed to establish their effects on real-world functional outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION identifier: CRD42022335443.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhing-Leet Tan
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore.,Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Shi
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Suyi Yang
- Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannah Loh
- Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Desiree Ng
- Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cherie Choo
- Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alice Medalia
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
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Barba-Sánchez V, Salinero Y, Jiménez-Estevez P, Galindo E. Contribution of Entrepreneurship to the Social Integration of People Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study Based on the Analysis of Social Networks. Front Psychol 2021; 12:725060. [PMID: 34712174 PMCID: PMC8545869 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In an environment characterized by high unemployment rates among people with disabilities, the objective of the present work is to analyze entrepreneurship as a labor option which fully inserts people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) into their societies. In order to carry out this research, a case study methodology based on social network analysis has been adopted, given the nature of the variables analyzed. The results indicate that the fact of having managed to start up the company has been an important source of self-confidence and inspiration, as well as increasing and intensifying the social networks of PwID involved in the entrepreneurial project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Barba-Sánchez
- Business Administration Department, ESII, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Yolanda Salinero
- Business Administration Department, Faculty of Legal and Social Science, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez-Estevez
- Business Administration Department, Faculty of Legal and Social Science, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Modi N, Singh J. A survey of research trends in assistive technologies using information modelling techniques. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:605-623. [PMID: 32996798 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1817992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the rapid proliferation and emphasis on technology, the use of assistive technology among individuals with varying disabilities and age is different. This situation instigates the need for a systematic review to gain a realistic understanding of prominent issues, research trends and assistive technology applications with minimal bias. OBJECTIVE Identification of leading researchers and prominent publications in assistive technologies. Subsequently, semantic relation between qualitative and quantitative research literature on assistive technologies was explored to future research directions. METHODS A manual search across reputed research databases was done to find out relevant literature from January 2005 to April 2020. In this paper, latent semantic analysis (LSA) was done to develop an information model for achieving defined objectives. RESULTS A corpus of 367 research papers published during 2005-2020 was processed using LSA. Term frequency, inverse document frequency of high loading terms provided five major topic solutions. Marcia Scherer, Rory Cooper and Stefano Federici are most noticed authors in assistive technology research. "Smart Assistive Technologies" and "Wearable Technologies for Rehabilitation" came out as contemporary research trends within assistive technologies. CONCLUSIONS The manuscript concludes the fact that assistive technologies for rehabilitation are experiencing a transition from standalone mechanical devices towards smart, wearable and connected devices.Implications for RehabilitationCustomized assistive devices could be programmed for multiple uses.User data privacy and internet dependency of smart assistive technologies must be taken care of while designing smart assistive devices for rehabilitation.Fog devices could eliminate the latency issues associated with cloud-based rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Modi
- Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India
| | - Jaiteg Singh
- Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India
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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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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marta Olivetti Belardinelli
- Interuniversity Center for Research on Cognitive Processing in Natural and Artificial Systems (ECONA), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F. O'Reilly
- Department of Special 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, 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, 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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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | | | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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