Availability Adequacy and Utilization of High-Tech Assistive Technology in Special Education Schools in North West Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed availability, adequacy and use of high-tech assistive technologies in special education schools in North West Nigeria. The study used descriptive survey method to sought data from 120 teachers who were drawn using simple random sampling technique from teachers of students with physical disabilities. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Researchers designed questionnaire and observation checklist were used to collect data. The two instruments were subjected to expert assessment for face and content validity check. The reliability of the instruments were established through pilot study using 20 teachers from two special needs schools within the study area, but not part of the sampled schools. The reliability values of 0.80 and 0.74 were obtained for the questionnaire and Checklist using Cronbach Alpha formula and Cohen’s Kappa inter-rater reliability formula. The data collected were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that hightech assistive technologies were not adequately available in special education schools. The few available assistive devices were not adequate. However, special education teachers do not use the available high-tech assistive devices to teach students with physical disabilities. It was recommended among other things that both the federal and state governments should improve on funding special educationso as to ensure that the necessary assistive devices are made available in special education schools.