Abstract:
Fires in the home are a common occurrence which can result in loss of life, property, and cause serious physical harm. Having the skills to evacuate and call emergency services during a fire is vital to increasing the chances of survival and reducing the risk of harm (Challands, 2010). Few studies have taught these skills to adults with an intellectual disability (ID), despite this population being at greater risk of harm during a fire. This study used behaviour skills training (BST) to teach fire evacuation and emergency phone-calling skills to five adults with mild and moderate ID. A multiple probe design was used across participants. The results showed that BST was effective in increasing fire evacuation and emergency phone-calling skills. Generalisation was also programmed for by conducting training and assessment in the natural environment, having staff conduct baseline sessions, using a standard fire alarm sound, starting training from different areas of the household and using a variation of the phone-call script to ensure participants could respond to different versions of the same question. Maintenance was also assessed at a 7-week follow-up for Max and Odette and at a 10-week follow-up for Steven and Anne. Social validity questionnaires suggested that participants and staff found the intervention to be socially valid, appropriate, efficient and effective. Possible limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
