Skip to main content
Log in

Applicability of a computer-aided program to increase the occupational engagement of low-functioning blind persons

  • Published:
Journal of the multihandicapped person Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present study used a computer-aided program that had been previously developed to promote independent activity and mobility in mentally retarded blind persons. The goals of the study were: (a) to assess the effectiveness of the program with subjects whose level of functioning was lower than that of the subjects treated before, and (b) to compare such a program with a new (simplified) control program. The results showed that the computer-aided program was effective with each of the three subjects involved in this study. Their performance was maintained over time. The control program failed with two of the subjects, whereas it produced moderately positive effects with the third who had minimal vision. The findings are discussed in terms of program components and practical implications.

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

Access this article

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Barlow, D. H., and Hayes, S. C. (1979). Alternating treatments design: One strategy for comparing the effects of two treatments in a single subject.J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 12: 199–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harley, R. K., Wood, T. A., and Merbler, J. B. (1980). An orientation and mobility program for multiply handicapped blind children.Except. Child. 46: 326–331.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, M. L., Favell, J. E., Lattimore, J., and Risley, T. R. (1984). Improving independent engagement of nonambulatory multihandicapped persons through the systematic analysis of leisure materials.Anal. Interven. Develop. Disabil. 4: 313–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lancioni, G. E., Oliva, D., Adorni, A., Guzzini, F., Locatelli, M., and Spinaci, P. (1988). Promoting unsupervised activities with low-functioning blind persons: Evaluation of a computer-aided program.Behav. Resident. Treat. 3: 85–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mansell, J., Jenkins, J., Felce, D., and De Kock, U. (1984). Measuring the activity of severely and profoundly mentally handicapped adults in ordinary housing.Behav. Res. Ther. 22: 23–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGlinchey, M. A., and Mitala, R. F. (1975). Using environmental design to teach ward layout to severely and profoundly retarded blind persons: A proposal.New Outlook Blind 69: 168–171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Powers, J., and Ball, T. S. (1983). Video games to augment leisure programming in a state hospital residence for developmentally disabled clients.J. Special Ed. Technol. 6: 48–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. H., Parsons, M. B., McCarn, J. E., Green, C. W., Phillips, J. F., and Schepis, M. M. (1985). Providing a more appropriate education for severely handicapped persons: Increasing and validating functional classroom tasks.J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 18: 289–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandler, A. G., and McLain, S. C. (1987). Sensory reinforcement: Effects of response-contingent vestibular stimulation on multiply handicapped children.Am. J. Ment. Def. 91: 373–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomporowski, P. D., and Ellis, N. R. (1984). Effects of exercise on the physical fitness, intelligence, and adaptive behavior of institutionalized mentally retarded adults.Appl. Res. Ment. Retard. 5: 303–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uslan, M. M. (1979). Orientation and mobility for severely and profoundly retarded blind persons.J. Visual Impair. Blind. 73: 54–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, P. J., and Workman, E. A. (1981). The non-concurrent multiple baseline across-individuals design: An extension of the traditional multiple baseline design.J. Behav. Ther. Exp. Psychiatry 12: 257–259.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lancioni, G.E., Oliva, D., Formica, M.M. et al. Applicability of a computer-aided program to increase the occupational engagement of low-functioning blind persons. Journal of the Multihandicapped Person 1, 271–280 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098803

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098803

Key words

Navigation