The Effects of Making Choices on Engagement Levels with Persons who are Profoundly Multiply Handicapped

Abstract

Although limited, the number of empirical studies with persons who are profoundly multiply handicapped continues to grow. In the area of teaching communication skills, persons with a variety of physical and sensory deficits are typically unable to express their needs. They require professionals to totally plan and arrange daily programming schedules. The following research evaluated (on rates of responding) the effects of individuals selecting leisure items with which they wanted to interact. The results showed that when individuals were able to make choices, their rates of interacting with leisure materials increased. These results are discussed in terms of future programming and research with this population.

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