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The impact of assistive technology use for students with disabilities in higher education: a systematic review

McNicholl, Aoife orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-1799-1483, Casey, Hannah orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-8215-6062, Desmond, Deirdre orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-6746-7006 and Gallagher, Pamela orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-5558-1269 (2021) The impact of assistive technology use for students with disabilities in higher education: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 16 (2). pp. 130-143. ISSN 1748-3107

Abstract
Purpose: This systematic review examines the impact of assistive technology (AT) on educational and psychosocial outcomes for students with disabilities (SWD) in higher education. Materials and methods: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies were identified through systematic searches of five databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC and Web of Science (Social Science Citation Index). Thematic synthesis was carried out to collate findings across papers and the methodological quality of included papers was assessed using a mixed methods appraisal tool. Results: Twenty six papers were included for analysis. Four analytic themes were identified; ‘AT as an enabler of academic engagement’; ‘barriers to effective AT use can hinder academic engagement’; ‘the transformative possibilities of AT from a psychological perspective’; ‘AT as an enabler of participation’. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that AT can promote educational, psychological and social benefits for SWD. However, AT users and AT officers must be aware of certain factors that can hinder effective AT use and thus restrict engagement in the higher education environment. Future AT practices should focus on harnessing the potential of mainstream devices as AT for all students, thus facilitating inclusion and reducing stigma.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:assistive technology; education; psychosocial; students; disability
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Psychology
Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Educational technology
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Nursing and Human Sciences
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Psychology
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1642395
Copyright Information:© 2021 Taylor & Francis.
ID Code:29481
Deposited On:18 Jan 2024 14:22 by Aoife Mcnicholl . Last Modified 18 Jan 2024 14:22
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