Environmental Exploration In Four Profoundly Retarded, Multiply Handicapped Institutionalized Persons: A Comparison Between Two Environmental Designs

The use of leisure tine in a productive manner is an important aspect of habilitation for profoundly retarded, multiply handicapped persons. However, this population is characterized by low rates of environmental interaction and a limited capacity to participate in productive leisure activity. Furthermore, these persons are usually confined to an institutional group-care setting in which few entertaining materials or activities are available. The institutional environment also tends to foster dependence by these clients rather than foster independent environmental interactions. Using an ABAB design, four subjects were exposed to two experimental conditions.