Research Article Open Access

A Guideline of using Assistive Technologies and Educational Services for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

Theeratorn Lersilp1 and Suchitporn Lersilp2
  • 1 Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand
  • 2 Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Abstract

Assistive Technologies (AT) and Educational Services (ES) are important in the needs of students with disabilities in higher education and their availability should be studied to provide appropriate help for them. The objectives of this study were to explore the problems in using AT and ES for these students and develop a guideline from the perspective of key informants. Data were collected from a semi-structured interview process completed by two groups of key-informants such as 12 service providers and 26 undergraduate students with disabilities. The results found that the problems in providing and using AT and ES comprised seven components; budget; personnel; discomfort in borrowing and taking care of special equipment; centralized maintenance; varieties of special individual needs; effectiveness of AT; and an AT specialist. In addition, a guideline for using AT and ES for students with disabilities included support from the government and non-governmental organizations; a training and production manual for faculty staff; and central organization of AT. This result is useful information for related service providers in helping students with disabilities to access educational activities.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 14 No. 5, 2017, 526-532

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2017.526.532

Submitted On: 30 December 2016 Published On: 28 April 2017

How to Cite: Lersilp, T. & Lersilp, S. (2017). A Guideline of using Assistive Technologies and Educational Services for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 14(5), 526-532. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2017.526.532

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Keywords

  • Assistive Technology
  • Educational Service
  • Higher Education
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Guideline