NATIONAL SURVEY OF THE USE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BY ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Although assistive technology provides a promising means to accommodat e for barriers to independence and self-determination for people with mental retardation, such devices are underutilized by this population. The Are conducted a national survey of the use of assistive technolog y by people with mental retardation. In four of five areas, the percen tage of individuals who used a device was under 10%. In two of these a reas, the percentage of individuals who might benefit from a device ex ceeded the percentage who used a device, and in a third area, the perc entage using devices was nearly equal to those who did not use but mig ht benefit from a device. Availability and cost were reported as prima ry barriers. Suggestions were made to address these issues.