Building on what we know: The iPad as an assistive technology tool for post-secondary students with disabilities

With the emergence of the first iPad on the market, educators of students with special needs in primary and secondary schools have been interested in the device as an assistive technology tool, particularly for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities. In the last few years, this interested has extended to educators in post-secondary institutions. This is due to the fact that, the iPad may offer significant opportunities to assist students with disabilities in their learning. The iPad with its provision of accessibility supports and available multifunction apps may be an important course accommodation for students with disabilities. The use of the iPad with post-secondary students with disabilities is somewhat untried and unstudied in the post-secondary academic environment. This study examined the use of the iPad by eight post-secondary students with disabilities studying at a distance. How the students used the iPad, the apps they used and did not use, the difficulties they experienced, and the supports that they required, were all documented throughout their completion of one course.