National Survey of the Use of Assistive Technology by Adults With Mental Retardation

Although assistive technology provides a promising means to accommodate for barriers to independence and self-determination for people with mental retardation, such devices are underutilized by this population. The Arc conducted a national survey of the use of assistive technology by people with mental retardation. In four of five areas, the percentage of individuals who used a device was under 10%. In two of these areas, the percentage of individuals who might benefit from a device exceeded the percentage who used a device, and in a third area, the percentage using devices was nearly equal to those who did not use but might benefit from a device. Availability and cost were reported as primary barriers. Suggestions were made to address these issues.