title: A social validation assessment of the use of microswitches with persons with multiple disabilities.
abstract: The purpose of this two-part study was to conduct a social validation assessment of microswitches versus interaction/stimulation conditions used with persons with multiple disabilities. In Part I, 32 teacher-assistant trainees were shown video-tapes reporting the use of microswitches versus interaction conditions for six children. In Part II, 40 teacher-assistant trainees or classroom aides and 44 rehabilitation staff were presented with video-tapes showing the use of microswitches versus systematic stimulation strategies for four adults. Raters scored the microswitch and the interaction or stimulation conditions on a 7-item questionnaire covering social/emotional and practical aspects. The microswitch condition was viewed as generally more positive than or comparable to the interaction or stimulation conditions. Main features of the findings and their implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Leiden, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands. lancioni@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
authors.forename: Giulio E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lancioni
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Nirbhay N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Doretta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marziani
authors.forename: Jop
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Groeneweg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012682:Sensory Aids