Promoting unsupervised activities with low-functioning blind persons: Evaluation of a computer-aided program

The present study assessed a computer‐aided system devised to promote unsupervised (household and occupational) activities requiring locomotion and orientation with four low‐functioning blind persons. The computer system controlled the presentation of object‐signals (i.e., prompts) and the opening‐closing of little gates leading to the areas where the activities had to be executed. To assess the effects of the computer‐aided program, subjects were also exposed to a control program in which no computer was used. The results indicated that the computer‐aided program was successful in promoting the performance of scheduled activities with all subjects. Their performance was maintained and also improved over time. The control program was unsuccessful with three of the subjects, whereas it showed moderately positive effects with the fourth one. The findings are discussed in terms of program components as well as in terms of cost and benefits.