R1R3' Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive Disabili

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R1-R3. Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of
Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive
Disabilities
Principal Investigators Tamar Heller, PhD,
University of Illinois at Chicago Marcia
Scherer, PhD, The Institute for Matching Person
Technology, Inc
To ensure that perssons with cognitive
disabilities and their support persons use
technology, it is necessary to understand not
only their needs, but also the barriers that
impede their use. Ongoing input from these
constituencie is crucial. The R1/R3 project was
designed to 1) assess the need for technology,
current knowledge of available technology, use of
technology, and barriers to its use from the
perspective of people with cognitive disabilities
and from their support persons and 2) compare
specific differences across the three groups
(Alzheimers disease, Developmental Disabilities,
and Traumatic Brain Injury).
Purpose/background This project will 1) assess
the need for technology, current knowledge of
available technology, use of technology, and
barriers to its use from the perspective of
people with cognitive disabilities and from their
support persons and 2) compare specific
differences across the three groups (Alzheimers
disease, Developmental Disabilities, and
Traumatic Brain Injury) in needs, knowledge,
barriers, and use of technology.
Procedures/methods Individuals with
developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's, and
traumatic brain injury and their caregivers were
recruited to complete a web-based survey of
needs, knowledge, barriers and uses of assistive
technology by persons with cognitive
disabilities. They were then routed to one of two
surveys (one for caregivers and one for people
with disabilities). Recruitment for this survey
continues. Anyone interested in completing the
survey can access it at http//www.idhd.org/survey
/survey.php?sid62
Participation in this project will contribute to
the identification of uses of technology, needs
for technology, and barriers to use of technology
for individuals with developmental disabilities
(DD), Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury (TBI),
or their caregivers. The information obtained
during these focus groups and from the surveys
may possibly generate the development of more
appropriate technologies for individuals with
developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's, and/or
TBI.

• Why do you think technology would NOT help
  him/her stay healthy and safe?
• Technology unavailable (52)
• Getting and Sharing Information (71)
• Too complicated (39)
• Other (39)
• Not enough training (12)
• Would feel self conscious using it (12)
• Too expensive (3)

• What does the person you support need help with?
• Participating in the Community (76)
• Getting and Sharing Information (71)
• Doing Work and School Activities (69)
• Keeping Healthy and Safe (66)
• Thinking and Remembering How to do Things (63)
• Doing Everyday Activities (52)