A recent national survey estimates that 54 million people, or 20.6% of the U.S. population, have a disability (McNeil, 1997). However, relatively few people use assistive devices. Russsell and colleagues (1997) found that only 2.9% of the population (7.4 million people) used mobility devices such as wheelchairs or canes, the most common assistive devices. Even fewer people used hearing or vision devices. An integral part of the new paradigm of disability, assistive technology (AT) has been shown to improve independent functioning and eliminate environmental barriers to full participation.
Not everyone who needs AT has equal access to it. Many different groups of people face unique barriers to learning about, obtaining, and using appropriate AT, including seniors, ethnic minorities, immigrants, rural populations, poor people, people with low literacy or education levels, children and parents with disabilities, and people with certain kinds of impairments, such as cognitive limitations. This paper presents state estimates on the need for and use of AT in ten different states, using data from the NHIS, NHIS-D, BFRSS, and SIPP. Developed to assist AT Act State Program grantees, these state-level data are also useful to public health planners, organizations on aging, school administrators, and many other health, education, and advocacy organizations. By identifying at the state level particular populations with underserved needs for AT, organizations can plan and implement tailored interventions to maximize access to AT for all people with disabilities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe demographic groups within the disability community that have less access to assistive technology and identify their particular needs. 2. Use state estimates to identify underserved disability groups in the presented states. 3. Target groups for intervention, using the state estimates
Keywords: Disability, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.