Work

Assistive technology adoption in special education: A logistic regression on teacher, classroom, and student factor in Taiwan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates factors influencing assistive technology (AT) adoption in special education using logistic regression analysis of data from 702 special education teachers in Taiwan. The analysis focused on teacher experience, classroom type, and student disability categories as predictors of AT use. Findings show that mobility aids had the highest utilization rate (91.5%), followed by communication (69.8%) and positioning aids (58.0%). Teachers with over 10 years of experience (OR = 1.486) and those in self-contained classrooms (OR = 1.472) are more likely to adopt AT. Student disabilities also strongly influence AT use, with mobility aids linked to physical disabilities (OR = 1.355) and communication devices more common for intellectual and emotional disabilities (OR = 1.400). Teachers' willingness to adopt AT depended on ease of use and paraprofessional support, and a strong positive correlation was found between AT adoption and teaching effectiveness. These results highlight the importance of targeted professional development and equitable resource allocation to support AT integration and improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Source: Assistive Technology

DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2601714

Authors: Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng, Wei-Ting Shen, Yu-Chun Yu, Yan-Ying Ju

Institutions: Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University

Language: English

Topic: Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Science and Technology Council, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital