A Technology-Aided Program to Help People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Access Preferred Stimulation and Exercise Motor Responses and Visual Orientation

Abstract

People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) are generally isolated, with a high risk of reduced stimulation input and physical inactivity. One of the strategies available to mitigate this situation relies on using technology-aided programs delivering stimulation contingent on people’s basic responses/activation. The two studies reported here were intended to extend the evidence available in this area. Specifically, Study I assessed whether a technology-aided program, which enabled participants to obtain preferred stimulation by touching an illuminated square (response target) changing position on a touch screen, would effectively increase their responding and, consequently, their stimulation input. Study II served as (a) a replication of Study I and (b) a means to assess whether responding in relation to a target changing position would increase the participants’ visual orientation/attention compared to responding in relation to a static target. Seven participants were included, three in Study I and four in Study II. Each study was conducted using a single-case research methodology. The results of both studies showed that the participants increased their responding and, thus, their stimulation input using the technology-aided programs. The program involving a response target changing position required differentiation of the response schemes (probably increasing the level of physical activation) and also tended to improve visual orientation, compared to the program using a fixed response target. Thus, the program involving a changing position of the response target may be considered a preferable tool for helping people with PIMD.