Work

Technology Access, Utility, and Unmet Needs: Results From The Arc’s FINDS Survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Technology can enhance the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, little is known about the extent to which it is accessible to and useful for people with IDD and their caregivers from different backgrounds. A secondary analysis was conducted using 3,113 caregiver responses from the Arc's Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports Survey to explore associations between technology access, utility, unmet needs, and various demographic characteristics of individuals with IDD and their families. Overall, reports of family members with IDD being older, employed, having more education, less health-related needs, and greater access to state-based services were associated with technology being reported as accessible and useful. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Source: Intellectual and developmental disabilities

DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-63.5.370

Authors: Emily K. Unholz-Bowden, Yue Wu, Alec Nyce, Brian H. Abery, Lynda Lahti Anderson

Institution: University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research