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Abstract
Purpose: This article was written to summarize current efforts in the research community in regards to assisting adults with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities to access a computer. Method: A literature search was conducted to determine contemporary research that has been conducted to enable computer use in persons with significant developmental disabilities utilizing databases such as ERIC or PubMed. Results: Although various assistive technology devices and interventions have been developed for persons with all types of disabilities, a lack of research into methods to help persons with severe developmental disabilities access a computer is evident. This perpetuates the underutilization of computers in this population such as those attending day programs or residing in residential facilities. Conclusions: Persons with developmental disabilities, particularly adults, are often overlooked and are not thought to be capable of using a personal computer. Though communities have endeavored to further enhance participation by persons with disabilities in many aspects of mainstream society, there is a scarcity of research pertaining to how adults with intellectual disabilities can access a computer, especially those with severe impairments. Once formal schooling is over, there appears to be scant interest in supporting adults using computers.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Helping a person to access a computer use should be considered to be within the purview of rehabilitation professionals, even when an individual has an intellectual disability.
Research into methods to enable access to computer technology should incorporate persons with severe intellectual disabilities, including adults.
Assistive technology devices, including those associated with computer technology should be developed with persons with severe developmental disabilities in mind to facilitate access.
Rehabilitation professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists should work in concert to develop guidelines and protocols founded on research to aid persons with severe and multiple disabilities who want to access a computer.