Introduction: Having a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) can impact the abilities of an individual in many areas of life, including the ability to live independently. The environment of an individual impacts their day-to-day life throughout their lifespan. To improve supported housing experiences, it is important to map the evidence, especially…

Background: Demand for formal social services support for adults with intellectual disabilities is increasing internationally. Initiatives which empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to improve their health, develop living skills or manage chronic illnesses may promote independence and reduce unnecessary dependency on social services.…

Background: This meta-analysis focused on the teaching of skills to individuals with intellectual disability (ID) to maximise independence increase the likelihood of full participation in all aspects of life, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living. Visual activity schedules (VAS) is an intervention with a growing evidence base that…

Functional living skills are skills needed for being an independent individual in society. As individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) get older, the discrepancy between functional living skills of themselves and their peers increases. However, it is not known which type of intervention is more or less effective specifically for adolescent-…

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to establish the evidence base for using visual activity schedules (VAS) with individuals with intellectual disability. Literature published after 2005 was evaluated for quality using the criteria developed by Horner et al.; a total of 14 studies were included as acceptable. Findings suggest…

Attaining proficiency with daily living skills is necessary for increasing the independent functioning of adolescents and adults with disabilities. Research demonstrates the positive effects of teaching individuals with disabilities to use various technologies to independently self-prompt their daily living tasks. A literature search of technology…

A meta-analysis of 52 studies teaching functional living skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder was conducted. Using the Tau effect size with the Dunn and the Kruskal--Wallis post-hoc analyses, the following categories were analyzed: age, diagnosis, intervention type, dependent variable, setting, and implementer. Analyses for age…

We examined the peer-reviewed literature on teaching daily living skills to secondary students (ages 12-22 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). A systematic search of the literature spanning January 2000-October 2012 was conducted, and 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Overall,…

The role of supporters in facilitating access to and use of technology by people (adolescents and adults) with learning disabilities has not been the primary focus of much of the research that has been undertaken to date. The review of literature presented in this paper suggests, however, that issues of support, risk and safety are emerging as…

With medical advances, more individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) syndromes who reside in developed countries are surviving to adolescence and adulthood. However, there continues to be a paucity of research examining long-term health, functional activities, and participatory outcomes over their life-course. This article reviews the current…

Identifying methods to increase the independent functioning of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is vital in enhancing their quality of life; teaching students with ASD daily living skills can foster independent functioning. This review examines interventions that implement video modeling and/or prompting to teach individuals with…

Efficacy research on video modeling as an instructional approach for individuals with autism has been found to be a promising area for teachers and researchers. Over the last three decades the literature has shown successful use of video modeling for teaching a variety of social, academic, and functional skills. The purpose of this literature…

Explores the use of video-based multimedia simulations for teaching functional skills to persons with developmental disabilities and discusses future considerations, design issues, and implications. Considerations address the importance of appropriate role modeling and the combination of video-based simulation and in vivo training to foster…

Data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) conducted during 1984 and 1985 by the Bureau of the Census are displayed in tables and charts. Data are derived from disability questions which were divided into four groups. The first group asked about the ability of persons 15 years and older to perform such sensory and physical…

Examines the issue of lack of participation within life skills programs and the negative consequences this may have on participant learning. To counteract the negative effects of underparticipation, a program called the Conversation Group was developed. The process, content, and merits of the program are described. (Author/RB)