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Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a pocket PC to teach two adolescents with mild and moderate cognitive impairments vocational tasks in competitive, community-based settings. Participants were taught three different tasks in their respective work sites through video rehearsal and video feedback strategies. Video files were presented on a pocket PC prior to task engagement and following repeated errors (video feedback). Effectiveness of the video-based strategies and the utility of the handheld device were evaluated using a multiple probe design across tasks and participants. Outcomes of the study indicate that the introduction of the video-based procedures was associated with significant increases in independent responding and participants met criterion on all three tasks within 3-7 sessions (M=5 sessions). Although there were large changes in the level of data once the video-based materials were presented, outcomes are somewhat tempered by the fact that some of the baselines for each participant were slightly ascending prior to the introduction of the independent variable.
Keywords: Video technology, Handheld computers, Developmental disabilities, Vocational training
Vocational programming and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in competitive employment settings has received much attention in the last two decades (Lancioni, O'Reilly, Speedhouse, Furniss, & Cunha, 2000). The goal of vocational programming is to assist individuals with performing their job-related tasks as independently as possible so that they can have the means to support themselves in order to lead productive and self-sufficient lives. Fortunately, there has been a shiftaway from the assumption that individuals with developmental disabilities will work in sheltered employment settings and more attention and effort has been placed on supporting individuals in communitybased vocational settings (Davies, Stock, & Wehmeyer, 2002a). As a result, much of the latest research relating to vocational programming has focused on strategies for increasing independence in job-related tasks. Because there has been a shiftfrom sheltered to community-based settings, it is increasingly important to utilize self-management strategies that will promote task completion while reducing reliance on outside staffor job coaches (Agran, 1997).
To promote independent work-related behaviors and to decrease reliance on staff, several researchers have investigated the effectiveness of using supports and prompts such as picture cards and/or booklets, auditory prompts delivered electronic devices, and visual and auditory prompts delivered on handheld devices to promote...