Perspectives of Students With Visual Impairments on Assistive Technology in the Classroom

The need for access to assistive technology among students with visual impairments is paramount in modern classrooms. Indeed, literature documents a wide range of benefits that assistive technology offers these students. A fundamental benefit, among others, is access to information. However, reported barriers persist. This study explored the perspectives of 10 students with visual impairments regarding the perceived benefits and barriers they experience using assistive technology in core-content classrooms. Participants were recruited across four local school districts and one school for the blind in two different states. Our analysis revealed that students identify an array of benefits of assistive technology, though use of devices was impacted by technical issues, inexperience, and lack of support. We offer recommendations for future research and practice for teachers and administrators.