Inspiration From Eye-tracking Data: Investigating the Impact of Combining Specific Environmental Features and Power Mobility Training

A licensed, independent therapist along with caregivers will conduct the training program in a public space at the university. The initial phase of the training will concentrate on developing the participants' understanding of cause-and-effect in relation to the control system and the movement of the car, focusing on specific public spaces such as hallways, convenience stores, gardens, and museums. Following this, the therapist will collaborate with caregivers to direct the participants' gaze towards specific physical structures and objects. Furthermore, the therapist will guide and coach caregivers on how to lead the participants in engaging with these environmental features through various exploratory actions, as supported by previous evidence. These actions include touching, hitting, squeezing, pointing, holding objects with one or two hands, object touching own body, fingering, banging, manipulating, and transferring objects.

The initial phase of training will also focus on teaching participants about cause-and-effect as it pertains to the control system and movement of the car. This phase will include goal-oriented driving activities, such as traveling 200 meters to reach a preferred toy or to interact with someone, and engaging in games like hide-and-seek in various public spaces including hallways, convenience stores, gardens, and museums. The training, without a specific emphasis on environmental features, will highlight the use of upper limbs in functional tasks during driving sessions, and incorporate a range of motor skills to enhance mobility and socialization during natural play sessions. The details of the program will also be established through collaborative discussions between the family and the treating therapist. These discussions will take into account clinical observations of the participant's performance in previous sessions.

The overarching goal of this training is to support developmental progress and improve mobility, socialization, and upper limb functionality in everyday tasks. Participants in this group will have the opportunity to walk in the same public space used by the ROC training groups, allowing interaction with both the therapist and caregivers based on their individual motor capabilities.