AT
in the General Classroom
Public Laws
Scavenger Hunt
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
SETT Framework
Case Study:
Joshua
Communication
Board
Low
Vision
Case Studies:
Adam
George
AT Device Abandonment
Computer
Access Barriers
Case Study: Marty
Without Hearing
Case Study: Susan
Universal
Design
Funding
Case Study: Karen
Group Work:
IEP/IST Exercise
Empowering
ESL Students with Universal Design
Experience Reflection and Course
Evaluation
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AT
Device Abandonment
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Task:
Studies
have shown us that between 25-75% of all assistive technology devices
are abandoned within 3 years. This is a surprising statistic that
has serious
implications for AT service delivery. Rejecting AT devices can create
negative attitudes about future technologies (for both the service
provider and consumer), consume the already limited resources for
AT services without apparent benefit for the consumer and, most
importantly, not provide the necessary assistance to the person
with a disability. It is important for you to spend a few moments
reviewing some of the information about why persons with disabilities
reject AT devices so
that we can truly think differently.
The
mini-assignment:
Review the information at the following sites that identify some
of the reasons people give for using or abandoning AT devices:
Factors
to Consider when Deciding on AT
http://www.enabletech.ie/Factors12.html
Why Fuss with Assistive Technology Outcomes Research (this article
includes some information about use and abandonment) http://www.infocommons.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/atoutcomes/newcomer/2.html
Why older persons accept or reject assistive technology http://www.homemods.org/library/pages/accept.html
Summarize your findings about AT device abandonment.
Common
Reasons for AT Device Abandonment |
- Unrealistic
expectations of the technology and subsequent disappointment.
-
The device is not adapted to optimize its "fit"
with the user. Moreover, the technology is not adjusted
according to the changes in pupil's functional capacity
over time.
- Limited
or no training in AT device use.
- Lack
of knowledge about how to use device leads to abandonment.
- Ongoing
maintenance and repair support is not provided.
- There
is a mismatch between the pupil's cognitive ability and
the sophistication of the technology.
- Poor
fit with the person's need and his/her environment such
as (home, school, etc.).
- Feelings
of embarrasment due to excessive attention.
- Negative
social judgement.
- Denial
of need
Submitted
by Yesim Yilmazel-Sahin on October 17, 2003.
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Copyright
© 2003 Yesim Yilmazel-Sahin. All rights reserved.
Please contact Yesim Yilmazel-Sahin at ysahin@umd.edu
for questions and comments.
Last
Modified October, 2003.
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