Evaluating the Use of Adapted Leisure Materials on the Engagement of Persons who are Profoundly, Multiply Handicapped

Abstract

Not only is it difficult cult to produce developmental gains with people who are both profoundly mentally retarded and physically handicapped, it is similarly difficult just to keep them constructively occupied during “non-programming” times. This research evaluated the use of electrically operated materials which had been modified for easier activation as a means of increasing the independent leisure activity of ten profoundly, multiply handicapped persons. By simply making the switches available and demonstrating their operation, five individuals quickly learned to independently interact with the adapted leisure materials. The other five individuals were taught to interact with the adapted materials using verbal prompts, social reinforcement, and graduated physical guidance; two continued to switch activate the toys after all prompts and reinforcement were withdrawn. The results support the use of adapting electrically operated leisure materials as a cost-effective means of increasing the independent leisure activity engagement of clients who are profoundly, multiply handicapped.