Information technology and disabled learners: an overview — maintaining access

The past two decades have seen major developments in information technologies which have led to the production of many devices, including computers, that are being used for a wide range of applications for work, education, leisure and daily living. These developments have created some of the most promising possibilities yet available for solving or mitigating the problems of disabled people. Paradoxically, the technology which offers this potential can also become a barrier. This article provides an overview by considering a number of ‘access’ issues that relate to disabled learners.