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Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of AT in identity for students with disabilities in higher education and if/how this changes over time. Methods: Using a longitudinal qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with students with disabilities (n = 13) in higher education in Ireland on two occasions during an academic year. A trajectory approach to longitudinal analysis was employed. This involved the use of matrices and identification of a through line for the study, which connects participant change over time. Results: The through line identified was feeling valued, which was central in the negotiation of identity over time across three themes: feelings of autonomy and competence; claiming disability; and feeling like you belong as a student. AT impacted experiences across the three themes which subsequently promoted or undermined students' sense of value. Reciprocally, feeling valued influenced use and perceptions of AT. Factors specific to a higher education context were also identified which influenced meanings attached to AT over time. Conclusion: Creating an environment where students feel valued is key in promoting use of and positive perceptions of AT. This should form an integral part of AT and disability policy in higher education. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Assistive technology (AT) use can have significant implications for one's identity AT indirectly impacts on students with disabilities' sense of value through its influence on three areas of identity change/continuity; feelings of autonomy and competence, claiming disability and feeling like you belong Feeling valued was central to the negotiation of identity over time for students with disabilities in higher education Creating an environment where students feel valued is integral to supporting students in their pursuit of a positive sense of identity and key in promoting use of and positive perceptions towards AT. This should form a central part of AT and disability policy in higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for equitable higher education necessitates changes in how to consider and develop inclusive university settings. Using a systems-thinking lens, this article examines the whole-campus approach to technology and inclusion of college students with disabilities in Ireland. In-depth interviews with students with disabilities and other stakeholders representing higher education, non-profit organizations, and government bodies uncovered critical areas and dynamics for understanding and building institution-wide capacity for overcoming barriers to technology and access, and creating a systemic culture of inclusion in higher education. Five themes were identified: equity of technology-based access; shared responsibility and accountability; staff knowledge development; institutional commitment and management; and student partnership. The study indicated that embedding guidance, recognition and expectations for universal design, technology-inclusive practice, and meaningful input of students with disabilities across all areas of university life would help to cultivate more equitable higher education for all. The whole-campus approach to technology and inclusion recommends that all aspects of university life are fully accessible and inclusive to all. Creating settings across institutions that can be accessed and used by all, to the greatest extent possible, and developing staff's responsibility and skills for technology and practices that include students with disabilities are important areas for further action. Greater recognition of teaching and professional development for inclusive education is required. Promoting assistive technologies and teaching and learning approaches for inclusion in terms of their wide-reaching benefits and diversity, rather than focusing exclusively on disability, may be a promising step towards making inclusion mainstream. Fully including students with disabilities in making decisions on matters that affect their experiences and technology in college is necessary to support inclusion across university campuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of students with disabilities are accessing higher education each year, yet little is known about their assistive technology (AT) needs and its influence on relevant outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine met/unmet AT needs on educational engagement, academic self-efficacy and well-being and the impact of AT use in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem for students with disabilities in higher education in Ireland. One hundred and eleven students with disabilities completed a cross-sectional online survey comprising the College Learning Effectiveness Inventory, the Student Course Engagement Questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Learning Form Abridged, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. AT use was found to have a positive psychosocial impact in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem. Those whose AT needs were fully met scored significantly higher on academic self-efficacy, well-being, and on 4 of the 10 educational engagement subscales compared to those who had unmet AT needs. Met/unmet AT needs were not predictive of educational engagement. These findings highlight the importance of AT from both educational engagement and psychosocial perspectives for students with a wide variety of disability diagnoses. The wide-reaching benefits of AT must be considered by governmental departments when making funding allocations to disability services within higher education institutions. Students with disabilities can face many additional challenges within the higher education environment. Findings from this research show that access to appropriate assistive technology can support students' educational engagement, increase well-being and academic self-efficacy and have a positive impact in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem. Disability and Assistive Technology Officers in higher education should be cognizant of both the educational and psychological benefits of assistive technology across diverse students with various disability diagnoses. Policy makers should consider the wide-reaching benefits of assistive technology when making funding allocations to higher education institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review examines the impact of assistive technology (AT) on educational and psychosocial outcomes for students with disabilities (SWDs) in higher education. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies were identified through systematic searches of five databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC and Web of Science (Social Science Citation Index). The search was conducted in January 2018. Thematic synthesis was carried out to collate findings across papers and the methodological quality of included papers was assessed using a Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Twenty-six papers were included for analysis. Four analytic themes were identified; "AT as an enabler of academic engagement"; "barriers to effective AT use can hinder academic engagement"; "the transformative possibilities of AT from a psychological perspective"; and "AT as an enabler of participation". This systematic review identifies that AT can promote educational, psychological and social benefits for SWD. However, AT users and AT officers must be aware of certain factors, such as inadequate AT training, inadequacies of devices, availability of external support and the challenge of negotiating multiple information sources, can hinder effective AT use and thus restrict engagement in the higher education environment. Future AT practices should focus on harnessing the potential of mainstream devices as AT for all students, thus facilitating inclusion and reducing stigma. Students with disabilities face academic, psychological and social challenges within the higher education environment. Assistive technology (AT) use can enable academic engagement and social participation and be transformative from a psychological perspective. Disability support staff in higher education should ensure that the AT needs of students with disabilities are met in order to enhance the educational experience. Harnessing the potential of mainstream devices as AT for all students will facilitate inclusion and reduce stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to conduct a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the self-management experiences, attitudes and perspectives of children and young people (CYP) living with epilepsy. Five databases were systematically searched up to September 2019. Fourteen papers were included. One analytical theme: self-management strategies was generated informed by four descriptive themes; concealment; medicine adherence; self-monitoring of activities; and seeking social support. The synthesis identified that while CYP with epilepsy engage in specific self-management strategies, there is limited evidence in understanding self-management and the processes underlying the use of it. Future research examining self-management in childhood is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]