Computer Assistive Technology Satisfaction and Work Skills Confidence Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

The present research examined the relationship between satisfaction with the use of computer assistive technology (AT), type of spinal cord injury (SCI), hours worked per week, and work skills confidence (WSC) of persons with SCI as measured by participant scores on the Work Skills Inventory (WSI). Investigated specifically was how satisfaction with computer AT was associated with WSC, after controlling for type of SCI and hours worked per week in a sample of 78 participants. Individuals associated with vocational rehabilitation organizations located in California were recruited who were (a) identified as having SCI; (b) currently using at least one form of computer AT; and (c) between the ages of 18 and 65. Multiple regression analysis indicated that together, AT satisfaction, type of SCI, and hours worked per week predicted 13% of the variance in WSC, as measured by participant scores on the WSI. When evaluated individually, satisfaction with AT and type of SCI did not make significant contributions to the prediction model, while hours worked per week emerged as a statistically significant predictor of WSC as measured by participant scores on the WSI.