The Effectiveness of Video Modeling in Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities to Engage in Leisure Activities: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Leisure activities involve the use of an individuals’ free time to engage in activities of one’s choices. Leisure activities are not related to work or any other obligatory activities. Participation in leisure activities plays an important role in developing one’s social, communication and cognitive skills, which are essential for successful integration in the community. It is through leisure activities that individuals with developmental disabilities acquire skills and gain competencies that are a prerequisite for successful integration into the general public. Inclusion in the community is linked with an improvement in the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Most recreational activities for individuals with severe developmental disabilities are selected by parents and caregivers without consulting individuals with developmental disabilities. Video modeling is argued to be one of the evidence-based interventions to teach individuals with developmental disabilities to perform different activities independently. This study reviewed studies that used video modeling to teach individuals with developmental disabilities to engage in different leisure activities. Studies published from 1998 to 2018 (n = 10) were identified and evaluated using the standards of the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC). Results of the study analyzed through Visual analysis and Percentage of Non-Overlapping Data (PND) indicated that video modeling is effective in teaching individuals with developmental disabilities to engage independently in leisure activities, resulting in reduced adult or caregiver dependence. Attendees will understand that literature supports the use of video modeling to teach individuals to engage independently in leisure activities.