Attitudes towards assistive technology among teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centres in Turkey

Abstract

This quantitative study used a survey model to examine the attitudes of teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centres (SERCs) towards assistive technology (AT). The sample consisted of 224 teachers working in 45 SERCs in Turkey. The Attitude Towards Assistive Technologies Scale (Aslan & Kaan, 2017) and Personal Information form were used for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results found that the teachers had positive attitudes towards AT, with no difference in attitude according to gender. However, there were statistically significant differences in attitudes towards AT based on participation in in-service training and professional seniority. The findings revealed that the AT training for teachers working in SERCs is limited and more in-service training opportunities are needed.