The effect of systematic information and communication technology (ICT) training programme for people with intellectual disabilities

Purpose: The present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). Method: 105 persons with intellectual disabilities were recruited for the evaluation of the ICT training programme (76 in the experimental and 29 in the delayed training group (control group)). Participants in the experimental group underwent systematic ICT training with a specially designed curriculum and software. The training programme taught about PC components, mouse and keyboard usage and the use of the Internet Explorer (IE). The delayed training group was given equal hours of non-systematic ICT training during the study period, and then was given the systematic ICT training 1 month after the evaluation. All participants were assessed at pre- and post training and at one month follow-up using a computer-skills checklist. Feedback from caregivers and parents were also collected. Results: Two-way repeated measure ANOVA and independent t-tests showed that participants acquired a higher level of computer competence after systematic ICT training and retained the learnt IT skills within one month follow-up period, [F (74) = 77.45, p<0.000]. Conclusion: The systematic training programme was effective in increasing the level of computer literacy and competence of persons with intellectual disabilities.