The utilization of assistive technology in support of college students with attention deficit disorder: An exploratory study

Attention-deficit-disorder or ADD in young adults is a relatively new area of study, especially as it relates to college students. This dissertation reviewed the literature on this disorder, in order to create a backdrop to study ADD college students. It further investigated the role that colleges and universities play in providing support for ADD students. The primary purpose of this dissertation was to explore the utilization of assistive technology in support of college students with ADD. The study examined institutions by size, type, degee granted, and availability of both traditional accommodations and assistive technology, with hope of finding possible patterns and trends. Cross-tabulations enabled differences to appear. The study also looked at institutions where students with learning disabilities, including ADD, had been accepted, to see if there was a difference between these types of institutions and other institutions in servicing students with ADD. While the results of this study are primarily exploratory in nature, ADD high school students, and anyone responsible for helping ADD students transition from high school to college, may need to pay attention to the results. It appears that certain assistive technology devices are available to students no matter where they might want to go. Students need to become more aware of the benefits associated with using these devices, and postsecondary institutions need to become more aware of the needs of students to have assistive technology available and encourage its use.