Assistive technology outcomes in post-secondary students with disabilities: the influence of diagnosis, gender, and class-level

Abstract

This study investigated how outcomes of assistive technology (AT) services for college students with disabilities are influenced by diagnosis, gender and class-level (e.g., Freshman). Students’ pre- and post-intervention ratings of their performance and satisfaction of common academic tasks (using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, COPM) were analyzed, as well as students’ responses on a survey about AT service provision, use, and preferences. Data from 455 students revealed “learning disability” to be the most prevalent diagnosis (38%), similar numbers of females and males served, and Freshmen (23.1%) as the largest class-level seeking AT services. For COPM data, each two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (grouping variable = diagnosis) revealed that pre-post change scores significantly improved for the entire sample, and that students with a mood disorder experienced the greatest changes compared to other diagnoses. COPM scores significantly and similarly improved for females and males, and across class levels. AT Survey ratings about timeliness of services and independent AT use were significantly lower for students with mobility deficits/pain and neurological damage, respectively. Gender and class-level variables did not significantly impact AT Survey ratings. The study results reveal that features of a college student’s diagnosis may influence AT service outcomes, and student-perceptions of AT services ability to use AT.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• College students who are Freshman and/or who have a learning disability are the most prevalent students referred for campus-based assistive technology services.

• While student ratings of academic task performance significantly increase across diagnostic groupings, these improvements were greatest for those with a mood disorder compared to other diagnostic groups.

• Service-providers should consider that features of certain diagnoses or disabilities may influence the student?s perception of AT service provision and their ability to use AT.

• A student's gender and class-level (e.g., Freshman) do not appear to influence the outcomes of AT services for college students with disabilities.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• disability
• impairment
• post-secondary education
• accessibility
• college

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.