Public Computing Options for Individuals With Cognitive Impairments: Survey Outcomes
By Fox, Lynn Elizabeth; Sohlberg, McKay Moore; Fickas, Stephen; Lemoncello, Rik; Prideaux, Jason; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 311-320Publication Date: September 2009
Study examined the availability and accessibility of public computing in the United States for individuals with cognitive impairment (CI). A telephone survey was conducted with a sample of 145 informants in three geographically distinct regions: a large urban center, a medium-sized city, and a small city in a rural region. Informants represented seven types of public facilities: (1) career centers, (2) brain injury clinics, (3) residential facilities, (4) libraries, (5) commercial settings, (6) educational institutions, and (7) community centers. A technique that uses referrals from already identified informants to increase the sample, known as snowball sampling, was used supplemented by an Internet search of wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots. Survey results showed the availability of public computer terminals and Internet hotspots was greatest in the urban sample, followed by the midsized and rural cities. Libraries had the highest percentage of access barriers, including complex queue procedures, login and password requirements, and limited technical support. University assistive technology centers and facilities with restricted user policy such as brain injury centers had the lowest incidence of access barriers. The authors contend that this study, believed to be the first evaluation of public computing for people with CI, provides information that may inform policies and practices around public computing to increase availability and accessibility.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
