Who is Using Assistive Technology in Schools?

Abstract

All students receiving special education services are entitled to the consideration of assistive technology (AT) devices and services; however, little research is available on who uses AT in schools. This study analyzed data from the National Assistive Technology Research Institute's (NATRI) Status of AT Use Survey to provide descriptive information related to students using AT. NATRI employed multi-stage, nonprobability purposive and convenience sampling, collecting usable data for 682 student AT users. The sample spanned all grades, preK-12, with the largest percentage of students receiving services in a self-contained setting (40.47%). The most common disability was multiple disabilities (27.71%). The results indicate a need for additional research to ensure that students who need AT receive access to it in a variety of educational environments.