The use of assistive technology by people with mental retardation and barriers to this outcome: A pilot study

Issue title: Assistive Technology and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wehmeyer, Michael L.

Affiliations: Research and Program Services, The Arc National Headquarters, 500 East Border Street, Suite 300, Arlington, TX 76010, USA

Abstract: While it is generally acknowledged that people with mental retardation do not utilize assistive technology to the degree warranted, there has been little empirical evidence to support this assumption. This article reports findings from a pilot study that evaluated the use of assistive technology by people with mental retardation and examined barriers to this outcome. A national survey found that people with mental retardation under-utilized assistive devices. The survey identified several barriers to technology use, including cost, a lack of information, device complexity and a lack of training and support.

Keywords: Assistive technology, Mental retardation, Survey, Device utilization, Barriers

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1995-43-403

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 195-204, 1995