Self-Report Computer-Based Survey of Technology Use by People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Advancements of technologies in the areas of mobiliy, hearing and vision, communication, and daily living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has the potential to greatly enhance indepencence and self-determination. Previous research, however, suggests that there is a “technological divide” with regard to the use of such technologies by people with IDD when compared with the general public. The present study sought to provide current information with regard to technology use by people with IDD by examining the technology needs, use, and barriers to such use experienced by 180 adults with IDD through QuestNet, a self-directed computer survey program. The study findings suggest that although there has been progress in technology acquisition and use by people IDD, yet there remains an underutilization of technologies across the population.

Bridging the digital divide for people with intellectual disability

“…For instance, the presence of little tabs on Internet sites or the small size of the devices (e.g., cellphones) make them complicated to handle for people with ID (Dagenais et al, 2012;Tanis et al, 2012). Moreover, a growing number of Internet sites use multimedia to transmit information, which represents a hindrance for people with visual and auditory limits (Michel et al, 2006).…”

“…To date, the studies' results suggest that interacting with technologies and digital content requires the mobilization of several cognitive components, like inductive reasoning, problem-solving skills, short-and long-term memory, reasoning, planning, reflection and deduction (Chevalier & Tricot, 2008;Dagenais et al, 2012;Tanis et al, 2012;Tricot, 2007;Rivas-Costas et al, 2014). Reading and writing skills also influence Internet use (Michel et al, 2006;Rivas-Costas et al, 2014).…”

“…Additionally, Wong and colleagues (2009) show that the more steps involved in a technology, the greater the difficulties for people with cognitive limitations. In short, the basic actions involved in browsing the Internet solicit a vast set of cognitive skills (Harrysson et al, 2004;Lussier-Desrochers et al, 2011;Tanis et al, 2012;Wong et al, 2009). Finally, several authors say that using technologies is often complicated by confusing elements, such as only one button to turn a cellphone both on and off (Williams & Nicholas, 2006 Rocha et al, 2012;Stock, Davies, Davies, & Wehmeyer, 2006;Williams & Hennig, 2015;Wong et al, 2009).…”

“…Other authors suggest instead to remedy some difficulties by configuring certain parameters through the control panel, for instance, modifying the mouse settings or enlarging the font (Rivas-Costas et al, 2014;Williams & Nicholas, 2006). Finally, some believe that the solution would be to take into account universal accessibility rules, so that everyone in the community could access the same digital environment (Blanck, 2014;Harrysson et al, 2004;Karreman, van der Geest, & Buursink, 2007;Tanis et al, 2012). Unfortunately, designers give very little consideration to these rules (Bunning, et al, 2010;Harrysson et al, 2004;Kennedy, Evans, & Thomas, 2011;Tanis et al 2012).…”

“…Finally, some believe that the solution would be to take into account universal accessibility rules, so that everyone in the community could access the same digital environment (Blanck, 2014;Harrysson et al, 2004;Karreman, van der Geest, & Buursink, 2007;Tanis et al, 2012). Unfortunately, designers give very little consideration to these rules (Bunning, et al, 2010;Harrysson et al, 2004;Kennedy, Evans, & Thomas, 2011;Tanis et al 2012). That said, Brangier and colleagues (2010) believe that the main problem with these rules is that there are far too many (between 944 and 3000 rules).…”