Dialoguing with developers and suppliers of adaptive computer technologies: Data and recommendations

Abstract

The authors report on findings on computer technology needs and concerns of 725 Canadian college and university students with a wide range of disabilities. The vast majority of this sample population uses computers and almost half need an adaptation to use computers effectively. The authors provide information about computer technologies used by students with different disabilities, describe adaptations/adaptive computer technologies that students find useful, report issues faced by users and non-users of computers in postsecondary education, and discuss reasons why students are not using needed adaptations/adaptive technology. Based on these findings, the authors provide recommendations for adaptive computer hardware and software developers and vendors.