Abstract
We conducted a field study of the utilization of digital camera to support sweeping work of five persons with mental retardation. The procedures were follows. (I) They took pictures of litter and fallen leaves on the sweeping route with a digital camera. (II) They attached the pictures to a map showing sites to sweep. (III) They had several meetings to share some information of litter-strewn areas by looking at the pictures and the map. As they got used to this routine, they came to take pictures containing more important information than before. Attaching pictures to the route map prompted them to think about where leaves fell from and to discuss how to work on it. Sharing some information with work mates was also effective to develop a flexible collaboration between the workers. After the meetings, they voluntarily checked the amount and location of fallen leaves and focused on the areas covered with large piles of leaves. This practice eventually improved their work efficiency. These results demonstrated that digital camera is a useful tool for supporting persons with mental retardation.
