Digital Health, Fitness, and Wellness Tools for Students with Disabilities

• Published in: Journal of special education technology Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 392 - 403
• Main Authors: McMahon, Don D., McMahon, Amanda K., Anglin, Mykala, Abrams, Kathryn, Wilds, Kelley, Aumel, Aidan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Computer Oriented Programs; Developmental Disabilities; Educational software; Educational Technology; Exercise; Handheld Devices; Health; Intellectual Disability; Mental Health; Nutrition; Personal health; Physical Activity Level; Physical Fitness; Physical Health; Students with Disabilities; Technology Uses in Education; Wearable computers; Well Being; Wellness; health; exercise; technology; developmental disability; intellectual disability
• ISSN: 0162-6434; 2381-3121
• DOI: 10.1177/01626434221094795

Research on using technology to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in exercise, health, and wellness is not as abundant as using technology in academic areas. The purpose of this article is to provide educators with resources that will assist in filling this technology gap. This article provides examples of specific apps and wearable devices that are accessible for diverse learners and selected based on practical experience using them with this population. In this article, apps are categorized by exercise, health, and wellness, while also including helpful tools for both mobile and wearable devices. Some of these apps fall into multiple educational categories and therefore can be used for a diverse population of learners. Although these tools are not applicable to all students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they do address the specific needs of some students.