Developing a prototype mobile device/tablet companion application to a social problem-solving program for individuals with intellectual disabilities

Problem behaviors (behaviors considered aggressive or challenging), such as destruction of property and threat of or real personal injury, are a major public health issue for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their support systems. Social problem solving (SPS) training programs for individuals with ID have had positive behavioral results, but most were conducted in clinical settings among clinical and forensic populations. We modified a widely used research-based SPS skills program  with the input of individuals with ID and their support staff as a community-based health promotion program and piloted the program among individuals with ID and their staff. The 2002 Surgeon General’s report Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint for Improving the Health of Individuals with Mental Retardation (now called ID) called for evaluating the use of assistive technology and different media for promoting healthy behaviors among individuals with ID and their supports. We report on work to develop a companion mobile/tablet application (app) for the social problem-solving program including 1) the process of adapting the program to app technology, 2) defining the unique needs of individuals with ID in using app technologies, 3) obtaining input from individuals with ID and their supports through cognitive interviews, and 4) evaluating the satisfaction with and use of app technology by individuals with ID and their supports.  The innovation potential of this work lies in using current app technologies to deliver health promotion interventions among individuals with ID and their supports and in potentially improving sustainability by increasing ease of use.