:: Description

Promoting the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Society Through Assistive Technology: Culturally Appropriate Solutions

Grant No.: P116M030017

Partners: Temple University, PA; Bridgewater State College, MA; Universidade Federal da Bahia, BA; Universidade Tuiuti do Parana, PR

Subject Areas: Assistive Technology, School Related Professions

Abstract: On a daily basis, people with disabilities face numerous barriers that prevent them from participating in and contributing more fully to activities in their home, school and work environments, and their communities. Technology has enormous potential to eliminate such barriers. When technology supports are present at an early stage, persons with disabilities are better able to develop functional skills that enhance their opportunities for inclusion in everyday community life.  The proposed interdisciplinary program seeks to train advanced undergraduates, mostly juniors and seniors, majoring in school-related disciplines (e.g. speech communication, special education, physical education, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, and educational technology) in the development of culturally sensitive approaches to utilizing assistive technology. The participating institutions have recognized expertise in teaching, research and services related to the major content areas of the proposed program. Thus, they are able to generate unique collaborations at both the academic and administrative levels. Through a combination of academic activities and fieldwork, participants will learn to use and adapt high-tech and low-tech devices, in accordance to the varying functioning needs, socio-economic status, and cultural environments of persons with disabilities in the U.S. and in Brazil. As a result of this project, both countries will benefit from a cadre of professionals who are knowledgeable about a wide range of assistive technology and capable of generating interdisciplinary solutions to culturally specific problems in the education of persons with disabilities. Graduates of this program will be able to promote institutional changes and affect policy making, ultimately having an impact on the number of persons with disabilities who receive appropriate educational supports and move forward to full participation in their respective societies.