Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 5:45 PM- Wednesday, May 14, 2025 6:15 PM
Lead/Instructor: Richard Satterfield, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation

Abstract: Mastery of AT involves use and experience with technology such that it becomes an extension of the individual user. Full mastery may be referred to as becoming a “power user” or an “empowered user”. The challenge of Mastery also involves how to identify and fit the technology to the individual as well as to the setting, so that the recommended AT helps the individual learn and work successfully. This session presents the findings of three research studies of mastery of Assistive Technology (AT) and its implications for K-12 and employment settings conducted at Georgia Tech’s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation. The findings suggest a way of thinking about how people with disabilities master AT. A conceptual framework for measuring mastery of AT will be shared which maps the journey of individual users from beginner to empowered users across four sub-scales of AT use.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will list the four constructs that comprise mastery of assistive technology (AT). Participants will list the four stages of mastery of AT. Participants will list at least 3 indicators or predictors of being an “empowered user” of Assistive Technology. Participants will assess their own level of mastery of AT with regard to some AT tool they use.