Improving Environments for Profoundly Handicapped Adults

Abstract

A common problem in settings for profoundly handicapped adults is the generally low level of client participation with their environment. Within a Special Needs Day Unit for profoundly handicapped young adults, a procedure was developed by which staff could increase client participation. One staff member, designated as Room Manager, ensured that a selection of material was available for each trainee, briefly prompted trainees to begin working with the materials, and provided positive attention differentially to those who were engaged. This procedure was compared with a common alternative; staff prompted trainees who were not engaged, but otherwise let them work undisturbed except to stop major disruptions. The Room Manager procedure was considerably more effective in increasing and maintaining the level of trainee engagement than the alternative. It also freed other staff members to work with trainees on an individual basis. Followup data indicated that, with appropriate monitoring, staff were able to maintain the use of this procedure. Therefore, the Room Manager procedure provides a basis for conducting and maintaining activity periods in settings for profoundly handicapped people.