Understanding and Supporting the Needs of Educational Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities and Mature Age Students

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge of educational professionals on the needs and preferences of disabled and mature age students in further and higher education. 102 Interviews and 6 focus groups were conducted in 4 European countries (Austria, Italy, Spain, and the UK) as well as in New Zealand and the USA. An online survey was publicised worldwide and 343 educational professionals from 21 countries responded. The results indicated a lack of standardisation in training and gaps in the knowledge and attitudes of educational professionals regarding how to appropriately support disabled and mature age in higher and further education. The use of e-leanning technologies to address these issues is highlighted, as well as what is needed in future to better support not only disabled and mature age students but also the educational professionals who support them.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOMPUTERS HELPING PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, PROCEEDINGS, PT 1
EditorsK Miesenberger, J Klaus, W Zagler, A Karshmer
Place of PublicationBERLIN
PublisherSpringer
Pages486-491
Number of pages6
Volume6179 LNCS
EditionPART 1
ISBN (Print)978-3-642-14096-9
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventEquality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2010 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 14 Jul 201016 Jul 2010

Conference

ConferenceEquality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2010
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period14/07/1016/07/10

Keywords

  • Students with disabilities
  • mature age students
  • educational professionals
  • e-learning

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