Evaluating Mobile Application as Assistive Technology to Improve Students with Learning Disabilities for Communication, Personal Care and Physical Function

This study addresses the challenges faced by Malaysian students with learning disabilities, emphasizing the critical role of assistive technology (AT), particularly Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) within mobile applications. Focusing on the Smart-App, the research explores its efficacy in supporting students in learning and establishing routines for activities of daily living (ADLs). Four preschool students aged five to six attending a specialized institution, with the use of direct observation and an adapted checklist methodology to assess their personal care, physical function, and communication aspects. Smart-App's shows significant impact on communication, enhancing two-way communication through visual schedules and AAC features. In personal care, the app facilitated ADLs, such as handwashing and tooth brushing, emphasizing a sequential click-through approach. Additionally, the oral hygiene module served as an effective pedagogical tool. In terms of physical function, Smart-App contributed to toilet training and identified challenges in specific physical activities. The study contributes substantively to the discourse on AT in education, underscoring the potential of Smart-App as a valuable tool for enhancing ADLs and fostering independence among students with learning disabilities.