Associating Cognitive Functions with Technology Features Used to Support Employment for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disability

The aim of this study was to explore the potential association between (i) the technology features of the applied cognitive technology (ACT) used to support employment-related outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and (ii) the cognitive functions. The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used to categorize the cognitive functions. The researchers of the 41 papers included in previous meta-analyses on the same topic were invited to participate in the study. An online survey was conducted. Correspondence analysis was employed to analyze the aforementioned association. Attention, memory, and higher-level cognitive functions were primarily associated with the majority of the ACT’s technology features. The results demonstrated a main distinct cluster including these three dominant cognitive functions and predominantly all the “output” categories of technology features. Another smaller but distinct cluster including mental function of sequencing complex movements and “touch screen/touchpad” category of technology features was also demonstrated. In line with previous studies, the largest proportion of ACTs have been used to assist primarily the aforementioned three cognitive functions. The new classification of ACT’s technology features based on cognitive function in this study can promote a common language and shared understanding for the prescription of technology.