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ERIC Number: ED550669
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 293
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2678-8047-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities: Resources and Challenges Encountered by Teachers
Jacobsen, Dawn LaRae
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Northern Iowa
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. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A