ERIC_NO:
ED321451
TITLE:
Persons with Mental Retardation and Technology Use Patterns and Needs.
AUTHOR:
Parette, Howard P., Jr.; VanBiervliet, Alan
PUBLICATION_DATE:
1990
ABSTRACT:
A questionnaire examining consumer needs, spending, travel, credit options and utilization practices in adaptive/assistive and educational
technology was answered by 2,201 Arkansans with disabilities of all ages.
This paper emphasizes results relating to Arkansans with mental retardation.
Results indicate Medicare/Medicaid as the single most widely used system
for acquisition of assistive technology, and the chief function of technology
in use was "getting around," a category including wheelchairs, crutches
and other mobility aids. While most respondents expressed satisfaction
with the technologies they were using, widespread difficulties were reported
in travel (22% reported having to travel over 100 miles to receive their
technology) and availability of credit plan options (30% of respondents
reported personal or family financing of needed equipment). Consumer rights
were called into question by findings indicating 45% of respondents were
unable to try out equipment prior to purchase. In addition, training with
equipment was generally seen as inadequate. Includes approximately 80
references. (PB)
MAJOR_DESCRIPTORS:
Assistive Devices (for Disabled); Communication Aids (for Disabled); Credit (Finance); Disabilities; State Surveys; Travel;
MINOR DESCRIPTORS:
Access to Education; Access to Information; Accessibility (for Disabled); Appropriate Technology; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Support; Information Services; Questionnaires;
IDENTIFIERS:
*Arkansas; Technology Related Assistance Indiv Disabil Act
PUBLICATION_TYPE:
143