Considering Response Efficiency as a Strategy to Prevent Assistive Technology Abandonment

Often, specialists in the field of Assistive Technology (AT) are presented with the challenge of teaching learners to utilize AT in order to increase, maintain, or improve their capabilities. Despite best efforts, rates of AT abandonment are alarmingly high. Understanding the factors that may influence an individual's choice to utilize AT may assist interventionists in designing and implementing effective interventions that prevent technology abandonment. This paper discusses some variables that may influence an individual's choice to utilize AT. Furthermore, the potential applicability of manipulating these variables to decrease the probability of AT abandonment are discussed.