Assistive Technology (AT) and Students With Disabilities: Understanding Continued Use of AT Through Training Experiences

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Student Learning and Development in Higher Education Poster Session

Abstract

Students with disabilities are attending post-secondary institutions in growing numbers. As such, disability service providers on campus are providing more accommodations, including assistive technology (AT). AT can help students with a variety of learning needs, however, many students discontinue use of their AT despite the benefits that this technology can provide. To examine discontinued use of AT, we assessed students’ experiences with training. We determined that attending training was not related to continued use of AT. Instead, having a positive training experience made the difference (e.g. the training was effective for their learning needs). Furthermore, students identified a number of recommendations for training that could be advantageous for disability service provides to consider implementing in the future.

Authors

• Lauren Denise Goegan, University of Alberta

• Lily Le, University of Alberta

• Lia Marie Daniels, University of Alberta