The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) and the Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan (ISR) are conducting a national survey to learn about what kind of assistive devices are used or needed by persons with disabilities; how such use or need is determined; and, how assistive devices are acquired and paid for. The purpose of the survey is to produce a better understanding of how assistive technology improves the lives of persons with disabilities who need and depend on such devices to perform their daily tasks and activities and participate more equally in the economy and society. Computer assisted telephone interviews are conducted with persons with disabilities selected from two sources: random digit dialing and targeted lists. The survey design and questionnaire allow data on assistive technology use and need to be gathered and analyzed with greater depth, compared to previous and similar surveys. The findings from this survey will provide new and important information to researchers, policy makers, and other professionals concerned with the welfare of persons with disabilities, and to persons with disabilities and their families who wish to live more independently and contribute in meaningful and productive ways.
Learning Objectives: 1. Obtain new and more complete information about assistive technology device use and need in the United States. 2. Understand the selection and acquisition of assistive technology devices and related services. 3. Learn about the Assistive Technology Act and how it helps persons with disabilities select and pay for assistive devices.
Keywords: Technology, Disability
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