Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
12:55
Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
8.5K
Assistive technology for university students with disabilities: Availability, utilization, and impact on academic
Hussain A Almalky1, Khulud A Qaysi2
1Department of Special Education, College of Education in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh 11614, Saudi Arabia.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Assistive technologies are available and effective for university students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Their use positively impacts academic performance, though challenges in utilization persist.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
Background:
- University students with disabilities face unique challenges in accessing education.
- Assistive technologies (AT) offer potential solutions to enhance learning and academic performance.
- Understanding AT availability and effectiveness in Saudi Arabia is crucial for inclusive higher education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the availability and effectiveness of assistive technologies for university students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
- To assess training, support, utilization patterns, and the impact of AT on academic performance.
- To identify factors influencing AT accessibility and effective use in the Saudi context.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey approach was employed.
- Data collected from 76 university students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
- Assessed AT availability, training, support, utilization, and academic impact.
Main Results:
- High availability of assistive technologies was reported.
- Comprehensive training materials and support services were available.
- A significant positive correlation was found between AT use and enhanced academic performance.
- A gap exists between AT availability and effective utilization.
Conclusions:
- Assistive technologies are available and beneficial for Saudi university students with disabilities.
- Effective utilization of AT is key to maximizing academic benefits.
- Addressing cultural attitudes, infrastructure, and policy constraints is vital for enhancing inclusivity.
