Affiliations: Institute on Community Integration, University Of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA | Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michael Sharpe, Institute on
Community Integration, University Of Minnesota, 12 Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury
Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Tel.: +1 612 626 8155; Fax: +1 612 624
9344; E-mail: sharp004@umn.edu
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the range of
instructional accommodations and assistive technologies used by postsecondary
graduates with disabilities. Based on the rationale that such information can
provide important information regarding "inputs" of a measured outcome, in
this case, successful graduation from a postsecondary institution, the findings
of this study will help us to better understand the nature of supports that may
facilitate persistence among postsecondary students with disabilities. Using a
structured-interview approach, postsecondary graduates
(N = 139) were asked to identify instructional accommodations
and assistive technologies provided to them in secondary and postsecondary
settings. Findings of this study show that generally, instructional
accommodations and assistive technologies are provided at much higher rates at
the postsecondary level. With regard to users of assistive technology, the
majority of graduates indicated that they accessed and learned to use the
technology by themselves or with the assistance of a family member. Study
findings also suggest that graduates were generally satisfied with the types of
instructional accommodations and assistive technology supports provided to them
at the postsecondary level.
