Current Perspective Regarding Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Accessing Computer Technology

Purpose: This article was written to summarize current efforts in the research community in regards to assisting adults with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities to access a computer.

Method: A literature search was conducted to determine contemporary research that has been conducted to enable computer use in persons with significant developmental disabilities utilizing databases such as ERIC or PubMed.

Results: Although various assistive technology devices and interventions have been developed for persons with all types of disabilities, a lack of research into methods to help persons with severe developmental disabilities access a computer is evident. This perpetuates the underutilization of computers in this population such as those attending day programs or residing in residential facilities.

Conclusions: Persons with developmental disabilities, particularly adults, are often overlooked and are not thought to be capable of using a personal computer. Though communities have endeavored to further enhance participation by persons with disabilities in many aspects of mainstream society, there is a scarcity of research pertaining to how adults with intellectual disabilities can access a computer, especially those with severe impairments. Once formal schooling is over, there appears to be scant interest in supporting adults using computers.