Technology for Inclusion
Testing a Strategy for Assistive Computer Technology Intervention to Support Inclusion
Project Overview
 This project is a three-year study designed to investigate a strategy to support inclusion of students with severe disabilities in the general education classroom. Using a pretest-posttest control group experimental design, the study will test the impact of team training in the use of assistive technology on:
- Success of inclusion
- Academic performance
- Total class knowledge of technology
- General use of technology in the classroom
Fifty participants will be drawn from a minimum of 25 different schools in the 8 counties of Western New York. All participants will receive:
- An assistive technology evaluation at no cost
- Appropriate assistive technology on loan through an assistive technology lending library for up to one year
- A two-hour setup/overview of the recommended system
Twenty-five participants, randomly assigned, will also receive comprehensive team training in the use of the computer-assisted technology. This team includes the classroom teacher, the special educator, and all additional team members who are identified as working directly with the student. Training includes:
- Computer literacy
- Operation and use of the assistive technology
- Integrating the technology into the curriculum for education use
Types of assistive technology that will be loaned to the school districts include:
- Adapted writing tools
- Talking word processors
- Adapted keyboards
- Reading machines
- Alternate input devices
- Assistive software
- Positioning aids
- Low tech adaptations
Research Focus
Research questions focus on the combined impact of providing assistive computer technology and team training on computer and assistive computer technology. The hypothesis is that the overall use of technology in the classrooms will increase, and overall student-student and student-teacher interactions will increase for all students in the class, including those with disabilities. Measures of inclusion used are:
- Level of student engagement
- Student's attitude toward school
- Percentage of school week spent in general classroom setting
- Social skill growth
- Professionals attitudes toward the innovation
Status
The Technology for Inclusion project has 39 students currently enrolled in the study, coming from 26 different schools. To date, a total of 32 school districts have agreed to participate in the project. We anticipate completing evaluations for 14 students prior to the end of the 1997-1998 school year, and will continue evaluations and training in the 1998-1999 school year.
Funding
The US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs funds the Technology for Inclusion research project.
Contacts
 Patricia Davies, OTR, Ph.D., Co-Principal Investigator
Jennifer Murphy, M.S., Project Coordinator
Christine Oddo, MS, OTR, ATP
Kathleen Beaver, ATP
Center for Assistive Technology
Occupational Therapy Department
515 Kimball Tower
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-3141
Fax: (716) 829-3217
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