Affiliations: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA | AbleLink Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michael L. Wehmeyer, Ph.D.,
Professor, Department of Special Education, Director, Kansas University Center
on Developmental Disabilities, Associate Director, Beach Center on Disability,
University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 3136, Lawrence, KS
66045-7534, USA. Tel.: +1 785 864 0723; Fax: +1 785 864 3458; E-mail:
wehmeyer@ku.edu
Abstract: Objectives: Technology has the potential to improve employment and
rehabilitation related outcomes for persons with disabilities. The purpose of
this study was to examine the impact of technology use on employment-related
outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Study design: A comprehensive search of the literature
pertaining to technology use by people with intellectual disabilities was
conducted, and a single-subject design meta analysis was conducted for a subset
of those studies, which focused on employment and rehabilitation related
outcomes. Results: The use of technology to promote outcomes in this
area was shown to be generally effective, in particular when universal design
features were addressed. Conclusions: Technology has the potential to enable people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve more positive
employment and rehabilitation outcomes. It is important to focus on universal
design features important to persons with cognitive disabilities, and there is
a need for more research in this area.
Keywords: Technology, mental retardation, intellectual disabilities, meta analysis, employment outcomes
