Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Dissertation

Keywords

Self-help devices for people with disabilities; Teachers of children with disabilities;

Abstract

Assistive technology may be a solution for students with disabilities who are struggling to achieve academic growth; however, the consideration for assistive technology process is not prevalent in schools.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to take an in-depth look at the processes and factors that teachers of students with disabilities used in considering, adopting, and utilizing assistive technology to meet the needs of their students. Three teachers in one rural school shared the resources and challenges they encountered in the assistive technology process. Furthermore, using Rogers's Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Davis's Technology Acceptance Model as theoretical frameworks, this study looked at the factors that influenced the assistive technology process for these teachers.

Five themes emerged from the data analysis. These themes were diversity in shared assistive technology experiences, IEP team guides the assistive technology process, reliance and resources, academic and student independence benefits, and limited awareness of assistive technology as a significant barrier. Implications from this study were this lack of a systematic and uniformed process might limit in the teachers' exploration of possible assistive technology supports; and teachers without knowledge, time, and communication channels might slow the adoption process of assistive technology.

Year of Submission

2012

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Department of Special Education

First Advisor

Susan Etscheidt

Date Original

12-2012

Object Description

1 PDF file (xiv, 274 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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