ERIC Number: ED384145
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1992
Pages: 165
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
National Assistive Technology Information & Program Referral Feasibility and Desirability Study. Final Report.
Yajnik, Girish G.; Lopez-DeFede, Ana
This final report presents results of a feasibility study and implementation plan concerning the establishment of a national assistive technology information and referral (ATI&R) network. The study explored the feasibility of establishing such a network from two perspectives: the current processes used to disseminate information about assistive technology and the needs of individuals who want access to assistive technology information. The study's five phases included use of an expert panel group, a key informant (N=541) survey, a needs survey of 4,298 consumers, 4 focus groups, and an examination of technical barriers to such a network. The study identified certain technical factors affecting the assistive technology information and program referral process including a lack of uniform definitions; a lack of uniform organizational structures; a lack of standards and/or requirements for personnel; a lack of consistent methods in data maintenance, verification, and updating; and a lack of effective outreach efforts. Extensive recommendations address: policy, coordination of AT I&R services, information management, staffing and I&R, outreach, and promoting AT I&R services. Six appendices present: a moderator's guide to regional focus groups; survey instrument protocols; glossaries and definitions used in the study; service taxonomy comparisons; a summary of technology-related information needs of providers and consumers; and a list of existing AT I&R organizational arrangements. (DB)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: National Inst. on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: South Carolina Univ., Columbia. Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Cover title is: "The Feasibility & Desirability of Establishing a Nationwide Assistive Technology Information and Program Referral Network. Final Report."