Research about Assistive Technology: 2000–2006. What Have We Learned?

The purpose of this article is to offer a review of research on the use of assistive technology for students with disabilities and some reflections on the nature of knowledge that is being produced by researchers who are examining these issues. We analyzed studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2006 that investigated the use of assistive technology with students served under IDEA guidelines. We located 122 studies that met our criteria. We summarize the types and age of students with whom these studies were conducted, the outcomes, the types of designs used, and the journals in which the studies were published. We conclude with a discussion of implications for research and practice.