Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Handheld Technology to Support Vocational Skills of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Authentic Settings: a Systematic Review

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Employment enhances community integration and overall quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Rapidly evolving and widely used handheld technologies (e.g., tablets and smart phones) may empower improved outcomes of vocational training for individuals with IDD. This systematic review summarizes and evaluates peer-reviewed studies that involved handheld technology to facilitate vocational training in authentic community-based settings for people with IDD. Eleven studies involving 32 participants with IDD were systematically located and analyzed in terms of key variables, study rigor, and Tau-U effect size estimates. Overall, Tau-U score suggested a large to a very large effect for interventions involving handheld technologies to teach vocational skills. Results are used to offer preliminary guidance for practitioners and to suggest directions for future research and practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (1990), Pub. L. No. 101-336, 104 Stat. 328.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  • *Burke, R. V., Allen, K. D., Howard, M. R., Downey, D., Matz, M. G., & Bowen, S. L. (2013). Tablet-based video modeling and prompting in the workplace for individuals with autism. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 38(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-120616

  • *Burke, R. V., Andersen, M. N., Bowen, S. L., Howard, M. R., & Allen, K. D. (2010). Evaluation of two instruction methods to increase employment options for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Research in developmental disabilities, 31(6), 1223-1233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2010.07.023

  • *Cavkaytar, A., Acungil, A. T., & Tomris, G. (2017). Effectiveness of teaching café waitering to adults with intellectual disability through audio-visual technologies. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 52(1), 77-90. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26420377

  • Cervantes, P. E., & Matson, J. L. (2015). Comorbid symptomology in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3961–3970. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2553-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Chang, Y. J., Wang, T. Y., & Chen, Y. R. (2011). A location-based prompting system to transition autonomously through vocational tasks for individuals with cognitive impairments. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(6), 2669-2673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2011.06.006

  • *Cihak, D. F., Kessler, K. B., & Alberto, P. A. (2007). Generalized use of a handheld prompting system. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28(4), 397-408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2006.05.003

  • *Cihak, D. F., Kessler, K., & Alberto, P. A. (2008). Use of a handheld prompting system to transition independently through vocational tasks for students with moderate to and severe intellectual disabilities. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 43(1), 102-110. http://www.jstor.com/stable/23879747

  • Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

  • Council for Exceptional Children. (2014). CEC standards for evidence-based practices in special education. Arlington: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Creed, P. A., & Reynolds, J. (2001). Economic deprivation, experiential deprivation and social loneliness in unemployed and employed youth. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 11(3), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.612.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Cullen, J. M., Alber-Morgan, S. R., Simmons-Reed, E. A., & Izzo, M. V. (2017). Effects of self-directed video prompting using iPads on the vocational task completion of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 46(3), 361-375. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-170873

  • Doren, B., Gau, J. M., & Lindstrom, L. E. (2012). The relationship between parent expectations and postschool outcomes of adolescents with disabilities. Exceptional Children, 79(1), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440291207900101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellenkamp, J. J., Brouwers, E. P., Embregts, P. J., Joosen, M. C., & van Weeghel, J. (2016). Work environment-related factors in obtaining and maintaining work in a competitive employment setting for employees with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 26(1), 56–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9586-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goo, M., Maurer, A. L., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2019). Systematic review of using portable smart devices to teach functional skills to students with intellectual disability. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 54(1), 57–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heider, A. E., Cannella-Malone, H. I., & Andzik, N. R. (2019). Effects of self-directed video prompting on vocational task acquisition. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 42(2), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143417752901.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, L. C. (2013). An employment opportunity or a discrimination dilemma: Sheltered workshops and the employment of the disabled. University of Pennsylvania Journal of Law and Social Change, 16, 151–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong, E. R., Gong, L. Y., Ninci, J., Morin, K., Davis, J. L., Kawaminami, S., Shi, Y. Q., & Noro, F. (2017). A meta-analysis of single-case research on the use of tablet-mediated interventions for persons with ASD. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 70, 198–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.09.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, (2004). 20 U.S.C. § 1400

  • Johnson, J. W., Blood, E., Freeman, A., & Simmons, K. (2013). Evaluating the effectiveness of teacher-implemented video prompting on an iPod Touch to teach food-preparation skills to high school students with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 28(3), 147–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357613476344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Jones, S., & Bucholz, J. L. (2014). The utilization of an iPad for increasing work-related behaviors in adults with disabilities. TechTrends, 58(6), 84-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-014-0807-9

  • *Kellems, R. O., & Morningstar, M. E. (2012). Using video modeling delivered through iPods to teach vocational tasks to young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 35(3), 155-167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728812443082

  • Kim, J., & Kimm, C. H. (2017). Functional technology for individuals with intellectual disabilities: Meta-analysis of mobile device-based interventions. The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 6(1), 3 https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/josea/vol6/iss1/3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kocman, A., & Weber, G. (2018). Job satisfaction, quality of work life and work motivation in employees with intellectual disability: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lipscomb, S., Haimson, J., Liu, A.Y., Burghardt, J., Johnson, D.R., & Thurlow, M.L. (2017a). Preparing for life after high school: The characteristics and experiences of youth in special education. Findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012. Volume 1: Comparisons with other youth: Full report (NCEE 2017-4016). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/projects/evaluation/disabilities_nlts2012.asp

  • Lipscomb, S., Haimson, J., Liu, A.Y., Burghardt, J., Johnson, D.R., & Thurlow, M.L. (2017b). Preparing for life after high school: The characteristics and experiences of youth in special education. Findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012. Volume 2: Comparisons across disability groups: Full report (NCEE 2017-4018). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/projects/evaluation/disabilities_nlts2012.asp

  • Lorenz, T., Frischling, C., Cuadros, R., & Heinitz, K. (2016). Autism and overcoming job barriers: Comparing job-related barriers and possible solutions in and outside of autism-specific employment. PLoS One, 11(1), e0147040. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0147040.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Sinclair, J., Poppen, M., Woods, W. E., & Shearer, M. L. (2016). Predictors of post-school success: A systematic review of NLTS2 secondary analyses. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 39(4), 196–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143415588047.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mechling, L. C. (2011). Review of twenty-first century portable electronic devices for persons with moderate intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 46(4), 479–498 https://www.jstor.org/stable/24232361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Migliore, A., Grossi, T., Mank, D., & Rogan, P. (2008). Why do adults with intellectual disabilities work in sheltered workshops? Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 28(1), 29–40 ISSN: 1052-2263.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muharib, R., Alrasheed, F., Ninci, J., Walker, V. L., & Voggt, A. P. (2019). Thinning schedules of reinforcement following functional communication training for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 4788–4806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04191-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Newman, L., Wagner, M., Knokey, A. M., Marder, C., Nagle, K., Shaver, D., & Wei, X. (2011). The post-high school outcomes of young adults with disabilities up to 8 years after high school: A report from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). NCSER 2011-3005. National Center for Special Education Research.

  • Nicholas, D. B., Attridge, M., Zwaigenbaum, L., & Clarke, M. (2015). Vocational support approaches in autism spectrum disorder: A synthesis review of the literature. Autism, 19(2), 235–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361313516548.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park, J., Bouck, E., & Duenas, A. (2019). The effect of video modeling and video prompting interventions on individuals with intellectual disability: A systematic literature review. Journal of Special Education Technology, 34(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643418780464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parker, R. I., Vannest, K. J., & Davis, J. L. (2011a). Effect size in single-case research: A review of nine nonoverlap techniques. Behavior Modification, 35(4), 303–322. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445511399147.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parker, R. I., Vannest, K. J., Davis, J. L., & Sauber, S. B. (2011b). Combining nonoverlap and trend for single case research: Tau- U. Behavior Therapy, 42, 284–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2010.08.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Qi, C. H., Barton, E. E., Collier, M., Lin, Y.-L., & Montoya, C. (2018). A systematic review of effects of social stories interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 33, 25–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357615613516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reichow, B. (2011). Development, procedures, and application of the evaluative method for determining evidence-based practices in autism. In In Evidence-based practices and treatments for children with autism (pp. 25–39). Boston: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Rohatgi, A. (2018). WebPlotDigitizer Version: 4.1. Austin, TX.

  • Roux, A. M., Shattuck, P. T., Cooper, B. P., Anderson, K. A., Wagner, M., & Narendorf, S. C. (2013). Postsecondary employment experiences among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(9), 931–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.05.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Santilli, S., Nota, L., Ginevra, M. C., & Soresi, S. (2014). Career adaptability, hope and life satisfaction in workers with intellectual disability. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 85(1), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2014.02.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seaman, R. L., & Cannella-Malone, H. I. (2016). Vocational skills interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorder: A review of the literature. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 28(3), 479–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-016-9479-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sham, E., & Smith, T. (2014). Publication bias in studies of an applied behavior-analytic intervention: An initial analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(3), 663–678. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.146.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tarlow, K. R. (2017). An improved rank correlation effect size statistic for single-case designs: Baseline corrected Tau. Behavior Modification, 41(4), 427–467. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445516676750.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Test, D. W., Mazzotti, V. L., Mustian, A. L., Fowler, C. H., Kortering, L., & Kohler, P. (2009). Evidence-based secondary transition predictors for improving postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 32(3), 160–181. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728809346960.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Test, D. W., Smith, L. E., & Carter, E. W. (2014). Equipping youth with autism spectrum disorders for adulthood: Promoting rigor, relevance, and relationships. Remedial and Special Education, 35(2), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932513514857.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Hoye, G., & Lootens, H. (2013). Coping with unemployment: Personality, role demands, and time structure. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 82(2), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2013.01.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Van Laarhoven, T. V., Laarhoven-Myers, V. , & Zurita, L. M. (2007). The effectiveness of using a pocket pc as a video modeling and feedback device for individuals with developmental disabilities in vocational settings. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 4(1), 28–45.

  • *Van Laarhoven, T., Johnson, J. W., Van Laarhoven-Myers, T., Grider, K. L., & Grider, K. M. (2009). The effectiveness of using a video iPod as a prompting device in employment settings. Journal of Behavioral Education, 18(2), 119–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-009-9077-6

  • Vannest, K. J., & Ninci, J. (2015). Evaluating intervention effects in single-case research designs. Journal of Counseling & Development, 93, 403–411. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12038.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vannest, K. J., Parker, R. I., Gonen, O., & Adiguzel, T. (2016). Single case research: Web based calculators for SCR analysis (Version 2.0) Web-based application. College Station: Texas A&M University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wendt, O., & Miller, B. (2012). Quality appraisal of single-subject experimental designs: An overview and comparison of different appraisal tools. Education and Treatment of Children, 35, 235–268. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.2012.0010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilczynski, S. M., Trammell, B., & Clarke, L. S. (2013). Improving employment outcomes among adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. Psychology in the Schools, 50(9), 876–887. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21718.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Texas State University, 601 University Blvd, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

    Reem Muharib, Katherine Ledbetter-Cho, Russell Lang, Megan D. Hinson & Rachael K. Cilek

  2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA

    Leslie Ann Bross

Authors
  1. Reem Muharib
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Katherine Ledbetter-Cho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Leslie Ann Bross
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Russell Lang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Megan D. Hinson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Rachael K. Cilek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Reem Muharib.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Muharib, R., Ledbetter-Cho, K., Bross, L.A. et al. Handheld Technology to Support Vocational Skills of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Authentic Settings: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 9, 108–119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00247-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00247-w

Keywords

Search

Navigation