A Self-Selected Musical Track to Increase Occupational Performance in Educational Settings for Adolescents with an Intellectual Disability and Visual Impairment

Abstract

Studies have indicated that students with intellectual disabilities do not engage in full participation of school activities and are significantly dependent on others to maximize their participation level in educational settings (Selanikyo et al., 2017). A person with an intellectual disability and visual impairment has an increased risk of persistent problems behaviors (Lang & Sarimski, 2018). Music can help contribute to the learning experience for students with an intellectual disability by encouraging participation in educational settings (Kalgotra & Singh Warwal, 2017). Students with an intellectual disability benefit from self-determination skills such as choice- making being integrated at school (Burke et al., 2020). The purpose of this proposed study is to determine if the implementation of a self-selected musical track prior to classroom activities can increase classroom participation for students with an intellectual disability and visual impairment. Results can help to determine the effectiveness of the intervention with this population and provide further literature on interventions to help improve participation in formal education for adolescents with an intellectual disability and visual impairment.