Self-Report Computer-Based Survey of Technology Use by People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Published in: Intellectual and developmental disabilities Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 53 - 68
• Main Authors: Tanis, Emily Shea, Palmer, Susan, Wehmeyer, Michael, Davies, Daniel K, Stock, Steven E, Lobb, Kathy, Bishop, Barbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 01.02.2012; American Association of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
• Subjects: Access to Computers; Adolescent; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Adults; Assistive Technology; Biological and medical sciences; Cognitive ability; Communication; Design; Developmental Disabilities; Developmental Disabilities - psychology; Educational Technology; Female; Humans; Individualized Education Programs; Individualized Instruction; Information Technology; Intellectual deficiency; Intellectual Disability; Intellectual Disability - psychology; Male; Medical sciences; Mental Retardation; Meta Analysis; Middle Aged; People with disabilities; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self Determination; Self Report; Studies; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Technology; Workforce; Handicap; Survey; Self evaluation; Intellectual deficiency; Computer; Developmental disorder; Mental retardation
• ISSN: 1934-9491; 1934-9556; 1934-9556
• DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-50.1.53

Advancements of technologies in the areas of mobility, hearing and vision, communication, and daily living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the potential to greatly enhance independence and self-determination. Previous research, however, suggests that there is a technological divide with regard to the use of such technologies by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities when compared with the use reported by the general public. To provide current information with regard to technology use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by examining the technology needs, use, and barriers to such use experienced by 180 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we used QuestNet, a self-directed computer survey program. Results suggest that although there has been progress in technology acquisition and use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an underutilization of technologies across the population remains.