RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND EMPLOYMENT RATES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL-DISABILITIES IN AUSTRALIA - IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAND TRAINING-PROGRAMS

This study examined the impact of computer and assistive device use on the employment status and vocational modes of people with physical di sabilities in Australia. A survey was distributed to people over 15 ye ars in age with physical disabilities living in the Brisbane area. Res ponses were received from 82 people, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Of respondents 46 wer e employed, 22 were unemployed, and 12 were either students or underta king voluntary work. Three-quarters of respondents used a computer in their occupations, while 15 used assistive devices. Using logistic reg ression analysis it was found that gender, education, level of compute r skill and computer training were significant predictors of employmen t outcomes. Neither the age of respondent nor use of assistive softwar e were significant predictors. From information obtained in this study guidelines for a training programme designed to maximize the employab ility of people with physical disabilities were developed.