Assisting people with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior to control environmental stimulation through a mouse wheel

This study assessed whether two people with profound multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior would be able to control environmental stimulation using thumb poke ability with a mouse wheel and a newly developed mouse driver (i.e., a new mouse driver replacing standard mouse driver, and turning a mouse into a precise thumb poke detector). The study was carried out according to an ABAB design and included a 2-month post-intervention check. The two people increased significantly in the target response (thumb poke) to activate the control system to produce environmental stimulation during the B (intervention) phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check. Practical and developmental implications of the findings were discussed.