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Feeling valued: the interplay of assistive technology and identity

McNicholl, Aoife orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-1799-1483, Desmond, Deirdre orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-6746-7006 and Gallagher, Pamela orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-5558-1269 (2023) Feeling valued: the interplay of assistive technology and identity. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology . ISSN 1748-3107

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of AT in identity for students with disabilities in higher education and if/how this changes over time. Methods: Using a longitudinal qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with students with disabilities (n=13) in higher education in Ireland on two occasions during an academic year. A trajectory approach to longitudinal analysis was employed. This involved the use of matrices and identification of a through line for the study, which connects participant change over time. Results: The through line identified was feeling valued, which was central in the negotiation of identity over time across three themes: feelings of autonomy and competence; claiming disability; and feeling like you belong as a student. AT impacted experiences across the three themes which subsequently promoted or undermined students’ sense of value. Reciprocally, feeling valued influenced use and perceptions of AT. Factors specific to a higher education context were also identified which influenced meanings attached to AT over time. Conclusion: Creating an environment where students feel valued is key in promoting use of and positive perceptions of AT. This should form an integral part of AT and disability policy in higher education.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:students with disabilities; assistive technology; identity; self-worth; inclusion; higher education; longitudinal
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Psychology
Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Educational technology
Social Sciences > Identity
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Psychology
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2294987
Copyright Information:© 2023 Taylor & Francis
Funders:Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
ID Code:29480
Deposited On:18 Jan 2024 13:51 by Aoife Mcnicholl . Last Modified 18 Jan 2024 13:51
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