Classroom and Worksite Technology Needs Assessment for Secondary School Teachers Working with Students with Special Health Care Needs

The New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJ SS) is dedicated to assisting secondary schools in reducing occupational safety and health hazards (S&H) in classrooms and worksites. In 2013, NJ SS built upon an existing half-day training on S&H topics for secondary school career-vocational-technical teachers of students with special health care needs (SHCN). In collaboration with multiple stakeholders, NJ SS expanded and conducted full-day trainings for teachers and other school professionals. The overall goal was to expand knowledge and awareness of specific S&H issues for this population as well as providing relevant resources and information on securing work placement opportunities and workplace modifications and strategies. At the conclusion of the training, a needs assessment survey was conducted. Data analysis of post-training evaluations showed technology needs of teachers who work with students with SHCN. Teachers acknowledged barriers to the access and use of technology in classrooms and worksites. Results suggested for modified computers with touch screen monitors, smart phones with special applications, and technology for students with visual impairment, participants knew about the technology but had neither access to it nor used it in their classroom or at worksites. Furthermore, financial barriers were the leading identified limitations to the access and use of technology; training/learning barriers were second highest. Overall, this training enhanced the preparation of students/young adults with SHCN entering community workplaces by broadening teaching professional knowledge of S&H hazards. Financial and knowledge barriers to technology were key findings in determining what S&H improvements should be made in classrooms and worksites.