ICYMI: New Report on Disability Access Barriers to Technology

We reprise this announcement from the July 16 edition of ANCOR’s Weekly Update for the convenience of our members:

NEW REPORT BY ANCOR AND UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO’S COLEMAN INSTITUTE FOR COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

Advancing Technology Access for People With I/DD: Perspectives from Intellectual and Developmental Disability Service Providers Across the Nation – Download Now!

The technological disruption of the 21st century has transformed the natural routines and rhythms of American culture and even challenged what it means to be human. Inequitable access to information and communication technologies and technology solutions has created new barriers to community inclusion and left people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in crisis, isolated behind digital walls.

It is within this context that ANCOR collaborated with our colleagues at the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities at the University of Colorado to field a survey designed to achieve three purposes:

1. To investigate the understanding and utilization of financial and programmatic resources to support the acquisition and sustainability of technology solutions for people with I/DD and their families
2. To examine current and future investments in technology solutions
3. To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technology utilization and barriers to access and future investments

Survey data were collected in 2021 and rendered responses from 180 providers of community-based disability services in 38 states. The results of the study reveal both challenges and opportunities regarding technology access and solutions, including innovative new ways technology is being leveraged to deliver high-quality supports, but also that inequities remain that must be addressed.

Learn more about these insights by downloading the report today!