EVALUATION OF A BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING PACKAGE TO TEACH ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SKILLS

The present study used a multiple probe design to examined the effectiveness of a Behavioral Skills Training (BST) package that included a discrimination component for teaching two male adults with developmental disabilities pedestrian crossing skills. Each participant was evaluated on his ability to perform the step from a behavior checklist, and to discriminate between car present and car not present conditions. Results suggest the BST package was effective at improving both participants\u27 ability to safely and independently cross the street, and that they maintained most of the skills learned during maintenance probes in actual city traffic. Teaching pedestrian skills that include hazard discrimination can lead to a more independent lifestyle for individuals with disabilities. Other implications, limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed