ABSTRACT
Abstract: Much of the management information systems literature focuses on organizational and individual technology acceptance for conventional, non-impaired users. However, little of this literature considers the range of users’ cognitive and physical differences and the implications on prevailing theories of technology acceptance and use. Individuals with disabilities have unique requirements with respect to using and interfacing with conventional and assistive technologies. For example, many individuals with impaired motor functions cannot effectively use conventional mouse and keyboard interfaces. It is particularly important to understand the impact as affecting the organizational adoption and diffusion of these technologies. We describe important considerations for the acceptance and use of assistive interfaces and new technologies while focusing on both organizational and individual considerations. At the individual level, we investigate how a person’s ability affects technology acceptance and usage, and we illustrate this with two novel interface technology case studies. At the organizational level, we consider factors for the diffusion of assistive technologies. It is important that the management information systems and assistive technology research communities share knowledge to ensure that disabled users have adequate technical access and support in organizations.
