Using an iPad job coaching intervention to enhance food preparation skills for individuals with developmental disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Technology is portable, affordable, and accessible, making it a viable support option for people with disabilities in the workplace. In the past, many supported employment programs relied on natural and paid job coaching supports with little to no use of technology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this two-experiment study was to investigate the use of a portable multimedia device to teach seven young adults with developmental disabilities to increase independence and decrease dependence on coaching prompts while performing a food preparation task. METHODS: Participants adhered to an industry specific protocol while using an application on an iPad that provided audio and video prompts. A multiple baseline across participants was used to show effects of the intervention on task performance and reliance on prompts. RESULTS: All participants were able to follow directions delivered to complete tasks accurately, while reducing the need for simultaneous coaching prompts. Maintenance probes were added to Study 2, and for two of three participants, newly acquired skills were maintained for eight weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Results from both studies indicated that using the iPad application to video model tasks was effective in improving and maintaining accurate skill performance, while reducing the need for prompts.