A Guideline of using Assistive Technologies and Educational Services for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

Abstract

Assistive Technologies (AT) and Educational Services (ES) are important in the needs of students with disabilities in higher education and their availability should be studied to provide appropriate help for them. The objectives of this study were to explore the problems in using AT and ES for these students and develop a guideline from the perspective of key informants. Data were collected from a semi-structured interview process completed by two groups of key-informants such as 12 service providers and 26 undergraduate students with disabilities. The results found that the problems in providing and using AT and ES comprised seven components; budget; personnel; discomfort in borrowing and taking care of special equipment; centralized maintenance; varieties of special individual needs; effectiveness of AT; and an AT specialist. In addition, a guideline for using AT and ES for students with disabilities included support from the government and non-governmental organizations; a training and production manual for faculty staff; and central organization of AT. This result is useful information for related service providers in helping students with disabilities to access educational activities.