Obstacles for using assistive technology in centres of special needs in the UAE

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

Assistive technology (AT) represents one way to improve access and participation in the school and home environments of people with disabilities (PWDs). This study analyzed the obstacles to AT acquisition, knowledge, use, recommendation, and training in special needs centers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the perspective of professionals (teachers and therapists). A questionnaire was developed and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire was distributed to all special-needs centers in the UAE via Survey Monkey, and 78 responses were received. The results indicate the nature of obstacles to AT use in special education centers in the UAE, with obstacles related to parents having the highest mean. The results also indicated a statistically significant difference in professionals’ perception of obstacles to using AT based on experience level, center location, and level of education. Implications for further research and recommendations for policy and practice are provided.

ISSN

1748-3107

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

Assistive technology, centers, obstacles, special needs, teachers, therapists

Scopus ID

85186873513

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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