A Comparison of Remote Monitoring and Direct Observations on the Implementation of a Motivational System to Improve Independent Living Skills for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

An increasing number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have opportunities to live in apartments and homes in the community with assistance from other people. The purpose of this research was to examine whether a remote video monitoring system with cameras linked to an off-site facility, in conjunction with a token system, could be used to maintain a high level of cleanliness of three apartments. Two people with intellectual and developmental disabilities lived in each apartment. Data were recorded daily in the apartments using the video monitoring system as well as in-vivo observations. The token system was implemented in each of the homes within a multiple baseline design. Results indicated that the motivational system was effective with some of the participants. Additionally, the video monitoring system provided an estimate of the cleanliness of the apartments, but a more accurate measure of the cleanliness was obtained through in-vivo observations. Video monitoring systems may aid in the implementation of some interventions, but certain behaviors may require in-vivo observations to ensure precise and valid measurement.