The Development and Use of a Modified Text Messaging Application Utilizing Voice Output and Pictures/Picture Symbols to Increase Instances of Independent Electronic Communication for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Date
2015
Authors
Lojkovic, David A.
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Abstract
Text messaging is a common communication tool used by young adults. Instant messaging and text messaging technologies are becoming increasingly popular, however, individuals with more significant intellectual and developmental disabilities may have difficulties accessing these modes of communication due to deficits in both receptive and expressive language skills. A multiple-baseline across participants design was used to investigate the effects of the use of a modified text messaging application, the EZPic2Txt app, on independent electronic communication instances of young adults with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. This single-subject study was composed of two concurrent experiments. The first experiment included four 18- to 24-year old young adults with moderate to severe disabilities who demonstrated communication deficits. There were three female participants and one male participant. Participants attended a postsecondary education program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities outside of a major metropolitan area in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The second experiment included four 21- to 25-year old young adults with moderate to severe disabilities who demonstrated communication deficits. There were two female and two male participants who lived semi-independently in a large metropolitan area in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
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Keywords
Special education, Educational technology, Communication, Applications (apps), Intellectual disability, Mobile devices, Moderate to severe disabilities, Text messaging, Voice output