Assistive technology for postsecondary students with learning disabilities: an overview

Area of Science:

• Special Education
• Disability Studies
• Higher Education

Background:

• Rising enrollment of postsecondary students with learning disabilities.
• Federal mandates for academic adjustments for students with disabilities.
• Growing importance of assistive technology (AT) in postsecondary support services.

Purpose of the Study:

• Provide an overview of assistive technology for postsecondary students with learning disabilities.
• Trace the development of AT services in this population.
• Identify AT service delivery models and specific technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of assistive technology service development.
• Description of AT service delivery models.
• Cataloging of specific assistive technologies.
• Analysis of research on AT effectiveness, including a 3-year federally funded study.

Main Results:

• Assistive technology services have evolved significantly.
• Various models exist for delivering AT services.
• A range of specific AT tools are available.
• Research supports the effectiveness of AT for postsecondary students with learning disabilities.

Conclusions:

• Assistive technology is a crucial component of support services for postsecondary students with learning disabilities.
• Continued development and research are needed to optimize AT implementation.
• Recommendations for service providers and policymakers are provided.