Assistive Technology Costs and Outcomes

Abstract

This chapter considers assistive technology (AT) for learners from an economic perspective. Drawing on human rights and human capability approaches, we suggest that individual practitioners can identify the likely cost implications of provision and nonprovision to support their recommendations and assist funders and policymakers to make fiscally sound decisions. We present a range of approaches to evaluating and documenting the costs and outcomes of AT for learning and education. Policy and resourcing contexts are discussed, as is the role for the practitioner in systemic advocacy for early investment in AT to support individual and societal outcomes.

Citation

Layton, N., Gardy, M. and McDonald, R. (2020), "Assistive Technology Costs and Outcomes", Chambers, D. (Ed.) Assistive Technology to Support Inclusive Education (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 109-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620200000014010