Remote support for individuals with intellectual disabilities living independently: a scoping review

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this project was to conduct a scoping review to understand factors related to remote support provision among individuals with intellectual disabilities in independent living.

Methods

A systematic search was employed among eight large databases, yielding 207 articles. Following a two-phase screening process, 22 articles were included in this review. Data were charted and summarized according to types of remote support, outcomes, best practices, barriers and facilitators, and ethical considerations.

Results

Overall, remote support provision was associated with positive outcomes (e.g. academic skills). Most studies used mobile apps or video self-modeling/prompting. Training for support workers facilitates use, and privacy concerns should be addressed among organizations.

Discussion

Given the shift to online technology over the Covid-19 pandemic, remote support can complement in-person support when used skillfully and appropriately. Importantly, remote support should be individualized for each person. Greater research is needed using diverse study designs, assessing perceptions of support providers, and on remote support that enables live communication between users and providers.

Keywords:

• remote consultation
• developmental disabilities
• community integration
• community resources
• community support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data is available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Mitacs IT28427 and the Community Living Society, Aspire, Spectrum and Inclusion Langley. The Remote Support Working Group includes Community Living Society, Aspire, Spectrum and Inclusion Langley.