The effects of instructional interventions related to street crossing and individuals with disabilities

Adequate street crossing skills reduce the risk of injury and increase the functional independence of individuals with disabilities. This paper reviews research involving instructional interventions for street crossings with individuals with disabilities. Eight studies were included. There was evidence individuals could be taught street crossings using classroom based interventions, roadside instruction, or virtual reality technology. Classroom based methods were successful when involving strategies which promoted generalization of skills. Task analysis found the steps involved in street crossing included: stopping at the curb, looking left and right, walking quickly, walking within the crosswalk, and continuing to look left and right. A variety of instructional strategies were used, but the small body of literature did not allow clear identification of superior strategies.

► 8 instructional interventions taught individuals with disabilities street crossing. ► Classroom based, roadside, and virtual reality teaching strategies were successful. ► Classroom based strategies required planning for generalization. ► Task analysis identified key steps in street crossing. ► Specific instructional strategies were examined.