Simpson, C., Roll, M. C., & Malcolm, M. P. (2022). Predicting assistive technology service utilization and grade point average for postsecondary students with disabilities . Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability , 35 (1), 5–16. https://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/publications/jped

The use of assistive technology (AT) among postsecondary students with disabilities was examined. The effect of assistive technology use or personal/contextual factors on grade point average (GPA) was also explored. “Assistive technology” is defined as an item, piece of equipment, program, or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability.

An extant dataset of 956 graduate and undergraduate students with disabilities who were referred to or sought out assistive technology services between 2015 and 2019 from a mountain-west public doctoral granting Land Grant University was used.

Student use of AT services and student GPA were investigated. Additionally, student demographic data were examined to determine whether there were differential effects among demographic groups.

First-generation students were more likely to use AT services, while students with cognitive or psychological disabilities were less likely to use AT services. Students with disabilities who did utilize assistive technology earned higher GPAs than did students with disabilities who did not use AT.