ERIC Number: EJ754131
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-0350
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Available Date: N/A
Assistive Technology Use and Stigma
Parette, Phil; Scherer, Marcia
Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, v39 n3 p217-226 Sep 2004
Issues related to stigma and its impact on assistive technology (AT) use with persons having developmental disabilities are addressed. While stigma has been known to be associated with presence of disability for many years, relationship between stigma and AT usage, particularly when working with families across cultures, has only just begun to be examined. Issues confronted by AT decision-making teams related to stigma include family expectations of AT, visibility resulting from use of AT in public settings, and perceptions that children will not attain important developmental skills if they become reliant on devices. While numerous approaches for AT decision-making have been implemented in the field, absence of validity and reliability data related to such approaches emphasizes importance of understanding potential influences of stigma associated with AT use. Specific areas that can contribute to stigmatization include (a) device aesthetics/cosmesis, (b) gender and age appropriateness, (c) social acceptability, (d) sublimation and professional deference, (e) teachers and acceptance of disability, and (f) universal design principles. Importance of future research that explores stigma and government policy and impact on AT decision-making is noted.
Descriptors: Developmental Disabilities, Assistive Technology, Social Bias, Correlation, Skill Development, Decision Making, Computer Uses in Education, Developmental Stages, Social Influences, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Gender Issues, Teacher Attitudes
Division on Developmental Disabilities, Council for Exceptional Children. DDD, PO Box 3512, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Tel: 479-575-3326; Fax: 479-575-6676; Web site: http://www.dddcec.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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