The Use of Assistive Technology for People with Special Needs in the UAE

Authors

  • Dr. Abdurrahman Ghaleb Almekhalfi (Author) Curriculum and Instruction Department United Arab Emirates University image/svg+xml
  • Dr. Sana Tibi (Author) Special Education Department United Arab Emirates University image/svg+xml
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.117
Today, technology has become an essential part of the everyday educational setting. Its use has proven to facilitate learning and communication of many students with and without disabilities. Assuredly, assistive technology (AT) has transformed education and empowered students with disabilities. However, research studies investigating AT for students with special needs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are limited, if any. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methodology were used to explore the AT tools, services, barriers, and professional development available in the UAE special needs centers. Results showed that different AT devices existed according to the types of disabilities. In addition, results revealed different types of barriers hindering the use of AT. Results may shed light on the use of AT in the UAE, teachers’ perceptions towards this use and barriers impeding such use. Recommendations and suggestions to improve the use of AT wherever and whenever needed in the UAE are discussed.

Bryant, D. & Bryant, B. (2003). Assistive technology for people with disabilities. Allyn and Bacon, Boston, MA.

Burgstahler, S. (2002). Universal design of distance learning. Information Technology and Disabilities, 8(1).

Burgstahler, S. (2003). The role of technology in preparing youth with disabilities for postsecondary education and employment. Journal of Special Education Technology. 18(4). Retrieved October 7, 2008, http://jset.unlv.edu/18.4/issuemenu.html DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340301800401

Easterbrooks, S. (1999). Improving practices for students with hearing impairments. Exceptional Children, 65, 537-554. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440299906500408

Edyburn, D. L. (2000). Assistive technology and students with mild disabilities. Focus on Exceptional Children, 32(9), 1-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17161/fec.v32i9.6776

Edyburn, D. L. (2003). What every teacher should know about assistive technology. Allyn and Bacon, Boston, MA.

Edyburn, D. L. (2004). Rethinking assistive technology. Special Education Technology Practice, 5(4), 16-23.

Edyburn, D. L. (2005). Special education technology networks of practice. Journal of Special Education Technology. 20(3), 69-71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340502000307

Edyburn, D. L. (2006). Assistive technology and mild disabilities. Special Education Technology Practice, 8 (4), 18-28.

Friend, M., Bursuck, W. D. (2002). Including students with special needs: A practical guide for classroom teachers. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Goldberg, L.B.G., & O'Neill, L.M. (2000). Computer technology can empower students with learning disabilities. Exceptional Parent, 30(7), 72-74.

Hasselbring, T.S., & Glaser, C.H. (2000). Use of computer technology to help students with special needs. Future of Children, 10(2), 102-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1602691

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.

Kaye, H.S. (2000). Disability and the digital divide. Disability Statistics Abstract. San Francisco, CA: Disability Statistics Center, University of California, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Kian, S. & Chee, K. (2002). Computer anxiety and attitudes toward computers among rural secondary school teachers: A Malaysian perspective. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 35(1), 27-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2002.10782368

MacArthur, C. A., Ferrett, R. P., Okolo, C.M. & Cavalier A.R. (2001). Technology Applications for students with literacy problems: A critical review. The Elementary School Journal, 10(3), 273-301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/499669

McLaughlin, M. E., Bell, M. P. & Stringer, D. Y. (2004). Stigma and acceptance of persons with disabilities. Group and Organization management, 29(3), 302-333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601103257410

Michaels, C. A., Prezant, F. P. Morabito, S. M. & Jackson, K. (2002). Assistive and instructional technology of college students with disabilities: A national snapshot of postsecondary service providers. Journal of Special Education Technology, 17(1), 5-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340201700101

National Center for Education Statistics. (2000). What are the barriers to the use of advanced telecommunications for students with disabilities in public schools? U.S. Department of Education.

Opitz, C., Savenye, W., & Rowland, C. (2003). Accessibility of State Department of Education home pages and special education pages. Journal of Special Education Technology, 18(1), 17-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340301800102

Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R. Smith, S.J, Gray, T. & Silver-Pacuilla. H. (2006).The state of assistive technology: Themes from an outcomes summit. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 3(1), 15-33.

Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, Wojcik, Watts & Stoner, (2007). Implementing Assistive Technology through User Groups. Teaching Exceptional Children, Vol. 40, No.2, pp. 28-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990704000204

Schmetzke, A. (2001) Online distance education-'Anytime, anywhere' but not for everyone, Information Technology and Disabilities, 7(2). Retrieved October,8, 2008, from http://people.rit.edu/easi/itd/itdv07n2/axel.htm

Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park, C.A.: Sage.

Shelly, B. G.; Cashman, T.J., Gunter, R.E., & Gunter, G. A. (2002). Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology in the classroom (2nd ed.). Boston: MA. Course Technology.

Tibi, S. (2005). The impact of reading disability on children's social life. The International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations, 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18848/1447-9532/CGP/v04/38931

U.S. Congress (1988). U.S. Congress, Public Law 100-406, Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988.

Wong, B. Y. (2001). Commentary: Pointers for literacy instruction for educational technology and research on writing instruction. The Elementary School Journal, 101(3): 359-77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/499674

There are 28 references in total.
Almekhalfi, A. G., & Tibi, S. (2010). The Use of Assistive Technology for People with Special Needs in the UAE. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 5(3), 51-62. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.117

Downloads

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted September 13, 2010
  • Published October 15, 2010
  • Issue Fall 2010
  • Section Articles
  • File Downloads 0
  • Abstract Views 1
  • Altmetrics
  • Share
Download data is not yet available.