Teaching Basic Ward Layout to the Severely Retarded Blind: An Auditory Approach

Abstract

In a mobility program to teach basic ward layout to nine severely retarded blind residents (ages 17-21) of Muscatatuck State Hospital and Training Center, auditory clues associated with receiving food were used on the route from the dayroom to the dining room and back. When electronically triggered floor mats placed at critical turning points on the route were stepped on, they activated strategically located speakers to play “food associated” music. Although this approach was endorsed as a viable concept worth further investigation, a controlled study was not conducted, and conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of the approach must await further investigation.