An afterword from the previous editor of this journal, looking back at what has been notable and ahead to what seem to be likely changes in the future. The paper aims to discuss…
Abstract
Purpose
An afterword from the previous editor of this journal, looking back at what has been notable and ahead to what seem to be likely changes in the future. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Overview of key issues in the first ten years of the Journal of Assistive Technologies.
Findings
Some key issues are identified and likely future foci are tentatively suggested.
Originality/value
An editorial perspective.
Details
Keywords
Definitions of assistive technology are varied and sometimes contradictory and this raises particular issues for a new Journal seeking to address this area. A preference for loose…
Abstract
Definitions of assistive technology are varied and sometimes contradictory and this raises particular issues for a new Journal seeking to address this area. A preference for loose and wide definitions is seen as leading to a more inclusive grasp of the field. Disability itself is a contested concept and this has affected the approach taken to technology use for groups that have been identified as having special educational needs. A key focus of the Journal of Assistive Technologies is on the practices of technology use, rather than the tools themselves, and this is discussed in the light of the social model of inclusion. The use of the term e‐Inclusion leads to a discussion of a tentative taxonomy of this area: technology to train and rehearse; technology to assist learning and technology to enable learning. Practitioners and researchers from a range of backgrounds are invited to contribute to the debates raised in this article.