Using a Proximity-Sensor System to Enhance Environmental Contact and Stimulation Control in Individuals with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities

People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) are prone to experiencing isolation and passivity. Technology-based interventions may help alleviate their situation by enabling them to produce simple responses that control access to environmental stimulation. The present study evaluated a proximity-sensor system designed to support environmental contact and stimulation control in nine adults with PIMD. The system was considered more viable than previous ones (e.g., those relying on webcam-based technology or pressure sensors). It involved an Android smartphone running a commercially available automation application, an interface, two proximity sensors, and a Bluetooth mini speaker. The two sensors (a) were paired with common objects or textures, or attached to support blocks and (b) could be activated through left- or right-hand responses. Participants were exposed to an ABAB design except in one case in which only an AB sequence was implemented. Their total response frequency (sensor activations) per session averaged 1.5-4.4 (first A/baseline), 5.9-18.3 (first B/intervention), 2-12.4 (second A/baseline), and 12.7-23.5 (second B/intervention). Comparisons between the first baseline and first intervention data and between the second baseline and second intervention data (carried out through the percentage of data points exceeding the median method; PEM) confirmed a strong intervention effect for the eight participants who completed the ABAB sequence. Sixteen staff members who worked with the participants rated the intervention conditions more favorably than control conditions. In conclusion, the findings suggest that a simple proximity-sensor system built from commercially available components may support environmental contact and stimulation control in adults with PIMD.