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Intellectual Disability and Assistive Technology

  • Writer: jrmede23
    jrmede23
  • Oct 4, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2024

By: Brian Bryant, Diane Pedrotty Bryant, Minyi Shih, and Soohwa Seok


*note that this is a link to a research article and you may not have direct access to it's content

Background:


Bryant et al., in 2010 researched “empirical” evidence that assistive technology works as a support for individuals with disabilities. Their were seven domains where assistive technology would act as a support according to the Supports Intensity Scale: Home living, lifelong Learning, employment, health and safety, social, and protection and advocacy.


The research seeks to answer this question: “How have AT devices used to support people with intellectual disabilities in the seven support domains measure by the SIS (Bryant et. al).”


The "SIS" that is discussed is the Supports Intensity Scale. SIS identifies the “intensity” of support needed for individuals with intellectual disability and is centered within the domains described above.

What is Intellectual Disability?


According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, intellectual disability is defined as "significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before age 22."


Results

The results included a review of literature that relates to assistive technology and it’s effectiveness for individuals with intellectual disability using the Supports Intensity Scale.


The Supports Intensity Scale assesses what form of assistive technology is most effective in seven domains.


Bryant et al. found that six of the seven domains are represented in literature about intellectual disability. There was not enough evidence to support that assistive technology was represented in the protection and advocacy domain of the SIS for intellectual disability.

Types of Assistive Technology used by individuals with Intellectual Disability  

The individuals in the literature researched by Bryant et al. utilize a diverse range of assistive technology in their everyday lives. I have listed them below from least to most complex forms of low- and high-tech assistive technology.


Least complex:

-       Audio taped verbal prompts

-         Digital kitchen timer

-         Task cards

More Complex:

-          Computer-aided system

-          Computer based video instruction

-          Multimedia palmtop scheduling system

Most Complex:

-          Accessible web design

-          Hans-Rudolph Valve

-          Quinton Q-Plex

-          Microswitch communication system

Examples of the Described Assistive Technology

Examples from Both Ends of the Assistive Technology Spectrum


Visual Task Cards (least complex)

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This is an example of visual task cards. Many individuals with a disability benefit from visualizing a routine over verbal prompt.



AAC (more complex)

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AAC as described in my main tabs for it's prevalence in assistive technology literature.

It is highly accessible as it can be taken anywhere! Many users use touch to talk technology that is installed onto a computer-based system.



Microswitch Communication System (most complex)


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Microswitch based programs help individuals control the events within their environment through stimulation responses. Microswitches are highly sensitive and do not require intense fine motor skills to operate.


Chart from the Study

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(Bryant et al., Page 207)

This image displays the ways the literature was organized according to it's domains and the findings associates perform by Brian Bryant, Diane Pedrotty Bryant, Minyi Shih, and Soohwa Seok.

Poll Question!


Do you think... the domains described by Bryant et al. are representative of all areas where assistive technology can be a support for intellectual disability?

  • yes

  • no



















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