Vol. 2, No. 2, Mar/Apr 1994	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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And the Survey Said....

Delaware citizens with disabilities have twice responded to a survey about assistive technology devices and services. In 1990, the survey was conducted to collect information about AT needs for inclusion in the original proposal to the federal government. In 1993, the DATI distributed a modified version of the instrument used in 1990 so that we could determine how the "AT scene" in Delaware has changed in the last three years.

In 1990, approximately 1200 surveys were distributed and 178 (15%) were returned; in 1993, 1800 surveys were distributed and 389 (22%) were returned. There were several differences between the respondent pool in 1990 and that in 1993. In 1990 the mean age of respondents was 27 years, and in 1993 the mean age was 39 years. The proportion of school-age respondents (and those responding on their behalf) fell by 12% from 1990 to 1993, and the proportion of respondents aged 65 and over increased by 16%. This reflects our survey distribution approach; in 1990 the majority of surveys were distributed to schools, and in 1993 there was much more balance across age groups.

By comparing the 1990 responses with those we received in 1993, we can take a look at where Delaware was in regard to technology-related assistance prior to the initiation of the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative and how circumstances have changed in the two years since the grant began. The survey focused on consumers' technology use, their technology needs, and their experiences with various aspects of service delivery. It asked questions about funding and problems with service delivery, and sought consumers' opinions of what has improved or worsened in technology-related assistance in Delaware. The 1993 survey data indicate that the technology-related climate in Delaware is better now than it was at the time of the initial survey. Comparison of 1990 and 1993 results indicates that:

• technology use has held steady or increased across almost all categories of devices
• consumers are taking advantage of a broader range of technologies
• the overwhelming majority of technology users report realizing benefits from the AT that they have
• the proportion of respondents reporting needing technology that they did not have dropped from half in 1990 to one-third in 1993
• significantly more consumers accessed AT-related services in 1993 than in 1990
• respondents reported fewer problems with AT services in 1993 than in 1990.

Perhaps the most revealing responses came from a question found only in the 1993 survey. Consumers were asked to report on the changes that they had observed in Delaware's technology-related assistance environment in the past two years. The areas cited as having improved most markedly are those that the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative was designed to address! The project's five original goals relate to Public Access to Information, Public Awareness, Training and Technical Assistance, Funding, and Coordination of Technology-Related Assistance, with an emphasis on consumer responsiveness and consumer empowerment. The DATI's Technology Resource Centers in each county were designed to provide community-based access to information, referral, funding assistance, and equipment demonstration and loan. The training and technical assistance initiatives at both the state and county levels have attempted to increase technology-related awareness and skills among both consumers and service providers. Most important, the project's consumer-centered approach reflects our commitment to meaningful consumer involvement.

The respondents to the 1993 survey acknowledged that the technology-related assistance climate in Delaware has improved markedly in regard to availability of information-and-referral, help in learning what technology is needed and how to use it, and opportunities for trying out/borrowing equipment. Consumers also report feeling like a respected part of the AT decision process. These data validate that the DATI is making meaningful progress toward its goal of comprehensive, statewide technology-related assistance for Delawareans with disabilities.

-Beth Mineo, Director