Barriers and facilitators of assistive technology use among adolescent students with learning disabilities: A mixed methods comparison of daily and less frequent users

This mixed methods study examined factors influencing assistive technology (AT) use among students with Learning Disabilities (LDs) in grades 7–10 (N=79) by comparing the perspectives of students who used AT daily (n=48) and less frequent users (n=31). Student perceptions were obtained using an online survey measuring potential individual characteristics that would influence AT use (AT and LD stigma, academic self-concept, perceived impact of AT) and environmental facilitators or barriers (AT teacher support). Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between AT use frequency and AT teacher support and the perceived impact of AT. Thematic analysis suggested that while both groups view AT as valuable, more frequent users reported higher academic self-concept and fewer barriers than less frequent users. Implications include implementing comprehensive AT educator training, establishing in-school AT support teams, and conducting annual student AT check-ins to ensure that AT effectively meets the student’s needs while identifying and rectifying barriers to AT use.