Enhancing Independent Time-Management Skills of Individuals With Mental Retardation Using a Palmtop Personal Computer

TLDR

Independence for people with mental retardation relies on skills such as time‑management, and following a schedule is crucial for independent living and employment. The study examined whether a portable schedule‑prompting system could enhance independence and self‑regulation in time‑management for people with mental retardation. Twelve participants with mental retardation compared the technology system to a written schedule for task performance. The Palmtop computer with schedule‑prompting software increased independence in vocational and daily living tasks for participants.

Abstract

Achieving greater independence for individuals with mental retardation depends upon the acquisition of several key skills, including time-management and scheduling skills. The ability to perform tasks according to a schedule is essential to domains like independent living and employment. The use of a portable schedule prompting system to increase independence and self-regulation in time-management for individuals with mental retardation was examined. Twelve people with mental retardation participated in a comparison of their use of the technology system to perform tasks on a schedule with use of a written schedule. Results demonstrated the utility of a Palmtop computer with schedule prompting software to increase independence in the performance of vocational and daily living tasks by individuals with mental retardation.