Electronic assistive technology use and supported employment

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Supported Employment

Background:

• Electronic assistive technology (EAT) use is notably lower among individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to other disability groups.
• This disparity highlights a gap in technology adoption within this population.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for improving employment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of and barriers to electronic assistive technology (EAT) for clients with intellectual disabilities.
• To investigate the perspectives of both direct support staff and executive administration within a supported employment service provider.
• To identify potential strategies for increasing EAT adoption in supported employment settings.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods exploratory study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Staff were surveyed online regarding EAT use with clients with ID.
• Executive administration participated in a focus group to discuss EAT provision and barriers.

Main Results:

• Forty percent of surveyed staff reported not using any EAT with their clients.
• Executive administration acknowledged a responsibility to provide technology resources.
• Both staff and administration identified expense, access, and complexity as significant barriers to EAT implementation at client worksites.

Conclusions:

• Addressing perceived barriers is essential for increasing EAT adoption among individuals with ID.
• Identifying cost-effective and accessible EAT solutions, including consumer-grade devices, is a critical first step.
• Integrating user-friendly and affordable technologies can enhance employment supports and outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.