ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING-DISABILITIES - FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

The article reports on a support services program for postsecondary st udents with learning disabilities that was found to be particularly co nducive to the conversion of research findings into practical applicat ions in such a way that it measurably enhanced students immediate and long-term academic performance. The results of both clinical and contr olled research on persons with learning disabilities were applied to: (1) the prescription of services and compensatory strategies, includin g assistive technology, in relation to the diagnosis of specific disab ilities; and (2) the preparation of a written composition curriculum f or persons with learning disabilities which emphasizes the use of assi stive computer technology. The paper concludes with an identification of those elements in the setting that appeared to promote the collabor ation of both researchers and practitioners. These included: (1) locat ion of the research staff both geographically and administratively wit hin the service delivery unit; and (2) specific opportunities to accom plish joint goals that required intense communication and interaction.