Identifying useful applications using Mobile Application Rating Scale for children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities: Scoping review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify applications (apps) that are useful for supporting children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities in special needs education. A scoping review was conducted, targeting literature databases, websites, and the App Store. The quality of the apps was evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale. As a result, 62 apps identified. Quantitatively, the apps that give visual or sound user experience through simple actions were the most major (15 apps). Qualitatively, the apps that allow users to control characters or other devices through their own movements were excellent. On the other hand, the apps related to communication (5 apps), and those that could be used for activities of daily living (4 apps) were minor. These minor apps trend to be lower functionality, design quality, and entertainment value in MARS scores. This study could contribute to the selection of apps for supporting children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities, as well as assisting in the development of new apps.