Affiliation:
1. Robert Morris University, USA
Abstract
This chapter examines the evolution of technology and assistive technology (AT) across pre-pandemic, pandemic-era, and post-pandemic periods for students with disabilities, who comprise approximately 15% of the student body in the United States. Technology and AT aim to enhance the learning experiences and capabilities of students with disabilities. Pre-pandemic, use of AT and remote learning for students with disabilities was limited, necessitating research calls for additional training and utilization. Mandated remote learning during the pandemic exposed students and teachers to new technology and accessibility, albeit with complicated challenges. Post-pandemic advancements, driven by extended reality and artificial intelligence, promise enhanced accessibility and transformative potential in education, potentially extending enhanced benefits to students with disabilities. This chapter discusses newer technological capabilities, future prospects of technology and AT, and future opportunities for their utilization for students with disabilities.
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