Persons with multiple disabilities manage positive leisure and communication engagement through a technology-aided program

Abstract

Objectives: Persons with multiple disabilities may frequently fail to achieve independent leisure engagement and communication with distant partners. The aim of this study was to extend the assessment of a technology-aided program providing support in the aforementioned areas with nine participants with multiple disabilities.

Methods: The program involved a computer system presenting leisure and communication options and a microswitch allowing the participants to choose among and access those options. For each participant a specific array of options was available (e.g. songs, comedy videos, and text messages), depending on his or her characteristics and interests. The effects of the program were assessed via an ABAB design. Participants and staff’s opinions about the program were determined through preference checks and interviews.

Results: During baseline (without the program), the participants failed to activate/access the options available and thus had no independent option-related engagement time. During intervention, all participants succeeded in using the program, thus accessing the options available independently, and remaining engaged with option-related events for generally 80–90% of the session time. Participants and staff were highly positive about the program.

Conclusions: A technology-aided program adapted to the participants’ conditions can be a crucial resource to support their independent leisure and communication engagement.

Keywords:

• Technology
• Leisure engagement
• Communication
• Multiple disabilities