Technology and people with intellectual disability: Utilization and Barriers.

2011

Michael Wehmeyer
[email protected]
785-864-0723

Advancements of technologies in the areas of mobiliy, hearing and vision, communication, and daily living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has the potential to greatly enhance indepencence and self-determination. Previous research, however, suggests that there is a ?technological divide? with regard to the use of such technologies by people with IDD when compared with the general public. The present study sought to provide current information with regard to technology use by people with IDD by examining the technology needs, use, and barriers to such use experienced by 180 adults with IDD through QuestNet, a self-directed computer survey program. The study findings suggest that although there has been progress in technology acquisition and use by people IDD, yet there remains an underutilization of technologies across the population.

Intellectual disability, Technology use

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals submitted

Professionals

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

N/A