addisk.txt 

ADAPTECH PROJECT COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES SURVEY OF POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Dawson College, Montreal, Quebec Canada H3Z 1A4
1999

This disk version of the questionnaire has been adapted from the print version. We invite you to answer directly on the disk, print the file and send us your answers on paper, Braille your answers or use the print questionnaire that comes with each disk. If you plan on filling in the enclosed print survey, please note that the instructions that you will find here differ from those on the print copy. This is because the print version has check boxes and other layout features that are not suitable for a disk. Throughout the disk version of this survey special prompts will show you where to write your answers. If you plan on Brailling your answers and would like a larger stamped self-addressed envelope, please let us know by contacting our Help Desk.

Help Desk. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to call our Help Desk collect at (514) 488-2376 Monday through Thursday from 6 P.M. to midnight and Sundays from 3 P.M. to midnight Eastern time. You can also e-mail your questions to adaptech@concordia.ca

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1. Are you female or male?
Your response here: 

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2. How old are you?
Your response here: 

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3. Which language do you speak more often, English or French? Choose one.
Your response here: 

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4. What province/territory are you considered a resident of? (e.g., for voting, income tax - if you are an international student, specify country) 
Your response here: 

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5. What is the name of your educational institution and where is it located? 
Name of institution here: 
City here: 
Province/Territory here:

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6. What is your field of study? 
Your response here: 

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7. Which of the following are you currently pursuing? Choose the one letter that best describes your situation from the following list by writing the appropriate letter at the "Your response" space at the end of the list. 

a. college certificate/diploma 
b. university degree 
c. I have not been a student since 19 (specify year)
d. other (e.g., just taking courses) - specify situation 

Your response here: 
If you chose c. or d. please indicate year or situation here: 

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8. We would like to know what disabilities/impairments you have and how long you have had them. Please write all letters from the list below that apply to you and use a 3-point scale as follows: 

1 equals all or most of my life (before age 10)
2 equals part of my life
3 equals recent (past 3 years)

For example, if you have been totally blind all of your life, you would write a1 at the "Your response" prompt at the end of the list. 
 
a. totally blind 
b. visually impaired/partially sighted 
c. Deaf 
d. hearing impaired/hard of hearing 
e. speech or communication impaired 
f. learning disabled 
g. wheelchair user 
h. mobility impaired (e.g., walk with difficulty, use a cane) 
i. difficulty using hands/arms 
j. health or medically related impairment (e.g., diabetes)
k. psychological or psychiatric disability 
l. other (specify impairment/disability)

Your response(s) here: 
If you responded l., please specify your impairment/disability here:

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9. Please write yes or no for all items using the response spaces provided. 

At home I use: 

a. a desktop computer: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

b. a laptop computer: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

c. adaptive computer hardware (e.g., Braille display): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

d. adaptive software (e.g., software that enlarges what is on the screen): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

e. the internet: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

f. other computer technology: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 
If you answered yes to f., specify the technology here: 

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10. Please write the letters of all the items that apply to you from the following list. Write the letter(s) after the, "Your response" prompt at the end of the list.

I don't have the following technologies at home, but wish I did:

a. a desktop computer 
b. a laptop computer 
c. adaptive computer hardware (e.g., Braille display)
d. adaptive software (e.g., software that enlarges what is on the screen)
e. the internet
f. other computer technology 

Your response(s) here: 
If you answered f., specify the technology here: 

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11. Please write yes or no for all items using the response spaces provided. 

At my educational institution I have used: 

a. a desktop computer: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

b. a laptop computer: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

c. adaptive computer hardware (e.g., Braille display): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

d. adaptive software (e.g., software that enlarges what is on the screen): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

e. the internet: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

f. other computer technology: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 
If you answered yes to f., specify the technology here: 

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12. Please write the letters of all the items that apply to you from the following list. Write the letter(s) after the "Your response" space at the end of the list. 

I have had no access to the following technologies at my educational institution, but wish I did:

a. a desktop computer 
b. a laptop computer 
c. adaptive computer hardware (e.g., Braille display)
d. adaptive software (e.g., software that enlarges what is on the screen)
e. the internet
f. other computer technology 

Your response(s) here: 
If you answered f., specify the technology here:
 
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13. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements listed below. Refer to your current situation. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

a. In general, I rarely use computer technologies. 
Your rating here:

b. In general, I consider my level of expertise with computer technologies to be very good. 
Your rating here:

c. Computer technologies that meet my needs are unavailable to me.
Your rating here:

d. Getting my work done more easily is important to me.
Your rating here:

e. I am a person who dislikes computers. 
Your rating here:

f. There are opportunities for me to learn how to use computer technologies.
Your rating here:

g. Computer technologies are inadequate in meeting my needs effectively (e.g., too inaccurate or slow).
Your rating here:

h. I do not plan to become more knowledgeable about computers.
Your rating here:

i. What friends think about computers is unimportant to me.
Your rating here:

j. When I have problems with my computer technologies, I can get help easily.
Your rating here:

k. Computers crash often. 
Your rating here:

l. Computer technologies I need cost too much.
Your rating here:

m. I think working efficiently on computers is unimportant. 
Your rating here:

n. Using computer technologies effectively is likely to help me get my work done more easily.
Your rating here:

o. Friends don't think using computers is helpful.
Your rating here:

p. In general, there are good computer facilities for me to use. 
Your rating here:

q. I can comfortably use computer technologies if I need to.
Your rating here:

r. There are people available to show me how to use computer technologies.
Your rating here:

s. My friends think I should use computer technologies.
Your rating here:

t. In general, my financial situation allows me to meet my needs.
Your rating here:

u. Overall, I am very dissatisfied with my experiences with computers. 
Your rating here:

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14. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements listed below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

Please do not leave any items blank. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9. Please indicate the product names if you know them. 

The following adaptive computer technologies are/could be useful in getting my work done: 

a. a screen reader (software that reads what's on the screen)
Your rating here:
Product name here: 

b. software that enlarges what is on the screen 
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

c. a scanner
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

d. Braille translation software
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

e. a portable note taking device (not referring to a laptop) 
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

f. a large screen monitor
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

g. a Braille printer
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

h. a spell checker/grammar checker
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

i. other specialized software for learning disabilities (e.g., word prediction) 
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

j. keyboard adaptations (e.g., "sticky keys") 
Your rating here: 
Product name here:

k. mouse adaptations (e.g., head mouse, track ball)
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

l. dictation software (voice recognition software that types what you say)
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

m. voice control software (you give voice commands like "file," "open," - e.g., VoicePad) 
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

n. having material available in electronic format (e.g., books, hand-outs) 
Your rating here: 

o. other (specify adaptive hardware / software and product name)
Your rating here: 
Product name here: 

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15. Which of the following suggestions would you like to make to adaptive computer hardware and software companies? Choose 5 of the 12 suggestions listed below by writing the letters of the 5 that you feel are most important to you. Put your answers in the "Your responses" space provided at the end of the list. 

a. provide student discounts 
b. provide trial periods
c. make product more user friendly
d. provide better technical support 
e. ensure that advertising reaches students with disabilities 
f. make adaptive hardware and software less expensive to purchase 
g. make manuals/tutorials available in alternative formats
h. make manuals/tutorials easier to understand
i. when designing a piece of hardware or software, include accessibility features for a variety of users with disabilities 
j. provide grants to educational institutions to purchase equipment
k. provide training
l. other (specify suggestion)

Your responses here:
If one of your responses was l., specify the suggestion here:

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16. Do you use a computer, yes or no?
Your response here: 

If you wrote "YES," skip the rest of this question and go to number 17.
 
If you wrote "NO," rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9. 

I do not use a computer because: 

a. it is unavailable to me
Your rating here: 

b. it costs too much
Your rating here: 

c. I am not interested in using it
Your rating here: 

d. it is too difficult to learn
Your rating here: 

e. it is too expensive to maintain 
Your rating here: 

f. I don't know how to use it 
Your rating here: 

g. the technology makes me anxious
Your rating here: 

h. I am uncertain about where to buy it
Your rating here: 

i. adaptive technology I need to access a computer works poorly for me 
Your rating here: 

j. it is impossible for me to get it through a government program or an educational institution lending program 
Your rating here: 

k. available computers don't have appropriate adaptive hardware/software on them
Your rating here: 

l. other (specify reason)
Your rating here: 
Specify reason here:
 
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Important: If you do not use a computer, go to the last question, number 29. 
If you do use one, continue with the next question.

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17. Please write yes or no for all items using the response spaces provided. 

What type of computer do you use? 

a. IBM compatible: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

b. Macintosh: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

c. other type of computer: yes or no, choose one
Your response here: 
If you wrote "yes," specify the type here:

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18. Please write yes or no for all items using the response spaces provided. 

I have used a computer: 

a. at home: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

b. during class lectures (e.g., writing lecture notes, in-class assignments): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

c. in the library (e.g., doing assignments on a computer located in the library): yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

d. in a Disabled Student Services Office / specialized lab: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

e. in a computer lab: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

f. at work: yes or no, choose one 
Your response here: 

g. elsewhere: yes or no, choose one
Your response here: 
If you wrote "yes," specify the location here:
 
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19. Approximately how much time during a typical school week have you spent: 

a. using a computer - not including time spent on the internet 
Write number of hours per week here:

b. using the internet
Write number of hours per week here:

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20. Do you use the internet, yes or no? 
Your response here: 

If you wrote "YES," skip the rest of this question and go to number 21.
 
If you wrote "NO," rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

If an item is not applicable to you, write 9.

I do not use the internet because:

a. it costs too much
Your rating here: 

b. I have no access to a computer that is equipped to go on-line 
Your rating here: 

c. the available browser / e-mail program (e.g., Netscape, Eudora) does not work well for me 
Your rating here: 

d. it is unavailable in my area
Your rating here: 

e. I am not interested in using it
Your rating here: 

f. some features of web sites are inaccessible to me
Your rating here: 

g. it is not available at school
Your rating here: 

h. it ties up the phone line
Your rating here: 

i. other (specify reason) 
Your rating here: 
Specify reason here: 
 
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Important: If you do not use the internet, skip the next question, and go to Number 22. 

If you do use the internet, continue with the next question.

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21. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements listed below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

If an item is not applicable to you, write 9. 

I use the internet for:

a. doing research 
Your rating here: 

b. e-mailing friends/family
Your rating here: 

c. entertainment
Your rating here: 

d. accessing library materials
Your rating here: 

e. looking for a job
Your rating here: 

f. taking courses on-line
Your rating here: 

g. e-mailing my professors 
Your rating here: 

h. participating in listservs/news groups
Your rating here: 

i. participating in chat rooms
Your rating here: 

j. banking/shopping
Your rating here: 

k. getting software/updates/demos 
Your rating here: 

l. other activity
Your rating here: 
Specify activity here:

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22. Did you take advantage of a government program to obtain a computer or adaptive computer technologies, yes or no?
Your response here: 

If you wrote "YES," skip the rest of this question and go to number 23.

If you wrote "NO," rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equaling strongly disagree, and 6 equaling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9.

I did not take advantage of a government program to obtain a computer or adaptive computer technologies (e.g., Braille display, software that enlarges the screen) because:

a. there were too many restrictions 
Your rating here: 

b. my own / my family's income was too high for me to qualify 
Your rating here: 

c. my disability was excluded by existing programs 
Your rating here: 

d. the waiting period was too long 
Your rating here: 

e. I did not want to take the required evaluation 
Your rating here: 

f. I was unaware that there were any programs out there for me 
Your rating here: 

g. I / my family preferred to buy the equipment I needed 
Your rating here: 

h. the process for applying was too complicated 
Your rating here: 

i. the equipment I need was unavailable through existing programs 
Your rating here: 

j. other reason 
Your rating here: 
Specify reason here:
 
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Important: If you did not take advantage of a government program, skip the next question, and go to number 24.

If you did take advantage of a government program, continue with the next question.

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23. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equalling strongly disagree, and 6 equalling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9.

My experience with a government program has been that: 

a. there were many restrictive rules and regulations
Your rating here: 
 
b. I had no say in what hardware/software I received
Your rating here: 

c. the equipment I received met my needs
Your rating here: 

d. I received excellent training on the technology 
Your rating here: 

e. the waiting period was very long 
Your rating here: 

f. the program's documentation was unavailable in a format I could read myself (e.g., no large print or tape)
Your rating here: 

g. the program was flexible in meeting my needs
Your rating here: 

h. contacting the necessary people to discuss my needs was easy
Your rating here: 

i. the process for applying was complicated 
Your rating here: 

j. the equipment I received was up-to-date 
Your rating here: 

k. the evaluation process was unpleasant
Your rating here: 

l. other experience 
Your rating here: 
Specify experience here: 

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24. Do you have a computer that you use at home, yes or no? 
Your response here: 

If you wrote "NO," skip the rest of this question and go to number 25.

If you wrote "YES", answer the rest of the question. 

How did you get your computer and/or your adaptive computer technologies as a student? Write all of the letters that apply to you from the list below. Use the "Your answer" space provided at the end of the list. 

a. through the Federal Government

b. through the Provincial Government

c. through a foundation/organization(e.g., Kiwanis Club, Neil Squire Foundation)

d. by borrowing it from my family/friends 

e. from my family who bought it for me 

f. by buying it myself 

g. through my educational institution's lending program 

h. other (specify how you obtained it)

Your response(s) here: 
If you wrote h, specify how you obtained it here:
If you wrote a, b, c, or d please specify the name of the program, foundation or organization here:

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25. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equalling strongly disagree, and 6 equalling strongly agree as follows:

1 equals strongly disagree
2 equals somewhat disagree
3 equals slightly disagree
4 equals slightly agree 
5 equals somewhat agree
6 equals strongly agree

Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9.

Computer technologies cause problems for me because:

a. they are difficult to learn
Your rating here: 

b. they cost too much to buy 
Your rating here: 

c. using them causes me physical discomfort
Your rating here: 

d. they are frustrating / difficult to use 
Your rating here: 

e. they crash
Your rating here: 

f. they need to be repaired often 
Your rating here: 

g. there are hardware and software compatibility problems (e.g., document saved on one computer does not work on another) 
Your rating here: 

h. they are inadequate in meeting my needs 
Your rating here: 

i. they have to be upgraded continuously 
Your rating here: 

j. they make me dependent on them 
Your rating here: 

k. computer labs where my courses are held lack suitable adaptations for me (e.g., no dictation software)
Your rating here: 

l. manufacturers fail to support their products 
Your rating here: 

m. there are few opportunities for training on adaptive technologies
Your rating here: 

n. other (specify problem) 
Your rating here: 
Specify problem:

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26. Rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equalling strongly disagree, and 6 equalling strongly agree. Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9. 

I have had problems using computers at my educational institution because: 

a. using computer technology in class is disruptive (e.g., too noisy)
Your rating here: 

b. my schedule and the hours of access to computers have been incompatible
Your rating here: 

c. the computer programs I use at home are unavailable at my educational institution 
Your rating here: 

d. there has been insufficient technical support available to me 
Your rating here: 

e. using computer technologies in class makes me stand out
Your rating here: 

f. computer labs/adaptive center have always been full 
Your rating here: 

g. there has been a lack of suitable adaptive technology for my disability 
Your rating here: 

h. I have received insufficient training on existing adaptive technology 
Your rating here: 

i. other (specify problem) 
Your rating here: 
Specify problem here:

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27. Do you need any special adaptations to use a computer, yes or no?
Your response here: 

If you wrote "NO," skip the next question and go to the last one, number 29.

If you wrote "YES," go to the next question, number 28.

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28. Do you use adaptive computer hardware or software, yes or no?
Your response here: 

If you wrote "YES", skip the rest of this question and go to the last one, number 29.
 
If you wrote "NO," rate your level of agreement with each of the statements below. Use a 6-point scale with 1 equalling strongly disagree, and 6 equalling strongly agree. Please do not omit any items. If an item is not applicable to you, write 9.

I do not use adaptive hardware/software (e.g., Braille display, software that enlarges what's on the screen) because:

a. it is unavailable to me
Your rating here: 

b. it costs too much
Your rating here: 

c. I am not interested in using it
Your rating here: 

d. it is too difficult to learn 
Your rating here: 

e. it is too expensive to maintain 
Your rating here: 

f. I don't know how to use it 
Your rating here: 

g. the technology makes me anxious
Your rating here: 

h. I am uncertain about where to buy it 
Your rating here: 

i. adaptive technology I need to use a computer works poorly for me
Your rating here: 

j. it is impossible for me to get it through a government program or an educational institution lending program 
Your rating here: 

k. available computers don't have appropriate adaptive hardware/software on them 
Your rating here: 

l. other (specify reason) 
Your rating here:
Specify reason here:

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29. Please let us know if there are other computer technology issues that are important to you that we have not asked about. Also, put any comments about this questionnaire here. 


Many thanks for helping us with this study!