Technology Skill Building for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Authors

Heather J. Williamson, Northern Arizona UniversityFollow
Hailee E. Riddle, Northern Arizona UniversityFollow
Cynthia Sloan, Northern Arizona UniversityFollow
Cameron Dogan, DaivergentFollow
Byran Dai, DaivergentFollow
Jon Meyers, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning CouncilFollow

Abstract

Compared to their peers without disabilities, adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are less likely to be employed. Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities also face a digital divide, with less access to and use of technology in their daily lives. This lack of technology use also limits the types of employment available to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of an individualized technology skill-building program for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Arizona. The community-engaged project was overseen by a Community Advisory Board who provided insights on program design and evaluation. Thirteen adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were engaged with the technology skill-building program for anywhere from 3 to 9 months, depending on their personalized plan. Everyone met weekly with their coach, a Virtual Support Professional, via Zoom and completed an individualized training program. To evaluate the program, individual interviews were completed with seven of the adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, five people who were supporters of the individuals with disabilities, and three Virtual Support Professionals. Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were motivated to join and stay with the program to explore future employment opportunities, learn more about how to use technology and expand their social opportunities online. Support was provided by the Virtual Support Professionals in collaboration with other supporters (as needed) to stay on task to achieve individualized goals. Benefits experienced from the program included improved job preparedness, online communication and social skills, technology and software skills, and confidence. As a result of the project, the technology skill-building resources program is now an approved vocational rehabilitation service in the state of Arizona.

Plain Language Summary

People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are employed less often. They are employed less often than people without disabilities and are also less likely to regularly access technology. People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are less likely to know how to use technology. Jobs that need tech skills are hard for people with disabilities to get. This project provided technology training to 13 adults. They have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. It took place in Arizona. The team spoke with seven adults with disabilities who completed the program to hear what they thought of the program. The team also spoke with five people who support individuals with disabilities in the program. They also spoke with people who provided the program. The program helped people feel more confident using technology. People in the program developed new technology skills. The company provided the program and still provides services to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Arizona’s vocational rehabilitation program.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Williamson, Heather J.; Riddle, Hailee E.; Sloan, Cynthia; Dogan, Cameron; Dai, Byran; and Meyers, Jon (2024) "Technology Skill Building for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities," Developmental Disabilities Network Journal: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: 10.59620/2694-1104.1083
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol4/iss2/4