Open research questions in Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
430 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 2,876 Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
Further research is needed to investigate the complex factors that influence individual ADL limitations over time. Longitudinal studies in other countries or populations could help to confirm or refute the findings of this study. Studies examining the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving ADL limitations in older adults could provide valuable insights for practitioners
Longitudinal trends and predictors of limitations in activities of daily living in community-dwelling older adults: evidence from the KLoSA study · 2024 · DOIThe availability together with the accessibility of AAC applications in Bhutan's context is poorly investigated at present.
Giving Voice to the Unspoken: The Critical Need for a Culturally-Tailored AAC App in Bhutan · 2026 · DOIThe findings indicated that workplace inclusivity of PwDs and widespread AT adoption in KSA are hindered by a lack of awareness, stigma, accommodation costs, limitations of technical compatibility or lack of standardization, and inadequate AT training and technical support.
Understanding the landscape: assistive technology and work challenges for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia · 2024 · DOIYet, the relationship between availability of family care resources and such actual assistance remains insufficiently explored.
Availability of family care resources, bathing assistance and toileting assistance among older adults with functional limitations: an evidence-based study from China · 2024 · DOIIf our goal is to produce language which is controlled by contextual and interoceptive stimuli, then a gap exists between our goal and the language resulting from the application of our state-of-the-art procedures. Our task in terms of the continuum is to transfer control of responding from the presence of objects, events, and/ or nearby attending adults to stimuli that are naturally occurring in everyday contexts or to internal stimuli that represent states of deprivation. The discussion that follows includes suggestions for future research that are meant to move us closer to achieving our goal.
Challenges of teacher preparedness. Lack of adaptive pedagogy in developing countries like Indonesia. Limited use of AI-based assistive technology.
The Effects of Universal Design for Learning and AI-AT on the Engagement and Academic Outcomes of Students with Disabilities · 2026 · DOIThe lack of adaptive pedagogy in developing countries like Indonesia. The need for empirical evidence on the effectiveness of UDL and AI-AT in inclusive educational settings.
The Effects of Universal Design for Learning and AI-AT on the Engagement and Academic Outcomes of Students with Disabilities · 2026 · DOIInsufficient instructional materials and resources. Limited formal training and professional development for teachers. Time constraints and competing responsibilities for teachers. Limited home and institutional support for learners with visual impairment.
Breaking Barriers with Braille: Driving Literacy and Lifelong Learning for Learners with Visual Impairment · 2026 · DOIThere is a gap between policy and classroom practice in inclusive education. There is a need for evidence-based interventions to enhance literacy outcomes for learners with visual impairment. There is a lack of research on Braille instruction in the Bicol Region.
Breaking Barriers with Braille: Driving Literacy and Lifelong Learning for Learners with Visual Impairment · 2026 · DOIThe specific contribution of occupational therapy to inclusive education remains poorly mapped. There is a need for evidence-informed practice in this area.
Digital and Assistive Technologies in Occupational Therapy for Inclusive Education: A Scoping Review · 2026 · DOIInadequate training, limited resources, and lack of institutional support hinder the implementation of assistive technology. The study only involved seven mathematics teachers and did not provide a comprehensive overview of all possible challenges and difficulties.
Considering the significant findings revealed and conclusions drawn in this study, the researchers suggested the following recommendations. 1. Develop and implement a structured support system for learners with disabilities. Schools should establish dedicated intervention programs that cater to the specific needs of students with disabilities. 2. Promote the consistent and effective use of structured support system for learners with disabilities through clear implementation guidelines, ongoing monitoring of student progress, and strong collaboration among teachers, administrators, and support staff to maintain inclusive educational practices. 3. Strengthen the integration of assistive technology by improving access to resources and training and increase institutional and financial support for assistive technology implementation. 4. Provide regular teacher training and capacity-building programs and conduct further research on the long-term impact of assistive technology on student performance. 5. Promote strong collaboration between teachers, school administrators, parents, and support staff to enhance inclusive practices and ensure the holistic development of learners with disabilities. New knowledge and the effects on society and communities This research provides new understanding about the integration of assistive technology in mathematics instruction for learners with disabilities. It shows how tools such as screen readers, tactile graphics, interactive software, and digital manipulatives improve accessibility and engagement. These technologies help students with diverse needs participate more actively in learning and promote equal opportunities in education. The study also highlights the importance of teacher training and preparedness in using assistive technology. When teachers are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they can adjust their teaching methods to support individual learning needs. This approach helps students become more confident, independent, and motivated to learn mathematics while reducing fear and anxiety. In a broader sense, the study contributes to building an inclusive society that values diversity and equality. Providing access to assistive technology allows learners with disabilities to become more involved in school and community activities. It encourages cooperation, empathy, and respect among students, teachers, and families. The findings can guide schools and policymakers in improving educational programs and creating inclusive environments. By supporting the use of assistive technology, communities can ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed academically and socially. This leads to stronger, more inclusive communities where education becomes a shared path toward progress and empowerment.
Underutilisation and discontinued use of AAC systems remain unresolved issues. There is a need for consensus on factors critical to AAC use from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Consensus on factors critical to Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) use in Canada from multiple stakeholder perspectives: a Delphi study · 2026 · DOIThe study only analyzed academic productions available in the BDTD. The search was limited to the descriptors 'Assistive Technology' and 'Portuguese Language'.
There is a significant gap in the articulation between AT and the Portuguese Language curriculum. The use of AT is concentrated in specialized education settings, rather than being integrated into regular classrooms.
The construction and maintenance of AAC materials can be unsustainable. The prepared materials might result in frustrating or disheartening outcomes. The paper discusses the importance of considering ethical and disparity issues in the development of AI-driven AAC.
The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) for Autism · 2026 · DOIlanguage therapy. Journal of Neurology, disorders: for speech of in and neurology. augmentative Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2021 Oct 1;92(10):1112-25. bmj.com 3. Bölte S, Neufeld J, Marschik PB, Williams ZJ, Gallagher L, Lai MC. Sex and gender in neurodevelopmental conditions. Nature Reviews Neurology. 2023 Mar;19(3):136-59. nih.gov 4. Bennett K, Diamond C, Hoeritzauer I, Gardiner P, McWhirter L, Carson A, Stone J. A practical review of functional the neurological disorder (FND) for general physician. Clinical Medicine. 2021 1;21(1):28-36.
The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) for Autism · 2026 · DOIThe lack of equitable access to digital education for marginalized communities and girls and women. The limited availability of assistive technologies and language-responsive content for learners with diverse needs.
Communication barriers, mobility limitations, social exclusion, bullying, and isolation faced by learners with special educational needs. Creating supportive environments that promote accessibility, social interaction, and emotional support for learners with special educational needs.
Quantitative analysis of isolation, communication, and mobility among learners with special educational needs · 2026 · DOIThe research gap lies in the need to understand the interconnectedness of isolation, communication, and mobility in fostering a sense of belonging among learners with special educational needs. Prior work highlights the importance of addressing barriers related to communication, mobility, and isolation in inclusive educational settings.
Quantitative analysis of isolation, communication, and mobility among learners with special educational needs · 2026 · DOIThe availability of accessible karawitan learning media for visually impaired learners is limited. There is a need for inclusive digital learning media that supports the preservation of traditional Javanese musical culture.
Eduvocal “Nderes”: Developing an Accessible Slendro Vocal Learning E-Book for Visually Impaired Children · 2026 · DOITherefore, future studies are recommended to conduct experimental research on the effectiveness of the media, involve larger participant groups, improve compatibility across various screen-reader applications, develop additional materials based on the pelog tuning system, and integrate more interactive accessibility features within the e-book.
Eduvocal “Nderes”: Developing an Accessible Slendro Vocal Learning E-Book for Visually Impaired Children · 2026 · DOIThe gap is the need for effective integration of CAA into school routines. The lack of inclusion of children with TEA in basic education is a significant problem. The paper proposes the use of low-tech assistive resources to address this gap.
Caderno de práticas pedagógicas: o uso de recursos de baixa tecnologia assistiva no ensino de crianças com TEA · 2026 · DOIThe concentration of flagged items at the precursor level highlights specific challenges in designing intermediate complexity assessments. The need for additional scaffolding at precursor levels is noted.
Beyond Life Skills Reframing Science Access for Learners with Extensive Cognitive Support Needs · 2026 · DOIScaling educator resources and longitudinal evaluation of outcomes as accessible science instruction and assessment become embedded within special education systems.
Beyond Life Skills Reframing Science Access for Learners with Extensive Cognitive Support Needs · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
- New Technology and Digital Worlds: Analyzing Evidence of Equity in Access, Use, and Outcomes · Review of Research in Education · 2010 · 686 citations
- The ASSISTments Ecosystem: Building a Platform that Brings Scientists and Teachers Together for Minimally Invasive Research on Human Learning and Teaching · International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education · 2014 · 488 citations
- Using iPods® and iPads® in teaching programs for individuals with developmental disabilities: A systematic review · Research in Developmental Disabilities · 2012 · 448 citations
- Inclusion for Young Children With Disabilities · Journal of Early Intervention · 2011 · 296 citations
- Avatar Assistant: Improving Social Skills in Students with an ASD Through a Computer-Based Intervention · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · 2011 · 272 citations
- The “Blurring” of Special Education in a New Continuum of General Education Placements and Services · Exceptional Children · 2010 · 223 citations
- Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: Guidance for Assessment and Intervention · American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities · 2016 · 212 citations
- Explicit Instruction: Historical and Contemporary Contexts · Learning Disabilities Research and Practice · 2017 · 211 citations
- Barriers, facilitators, and access for wheelchair users: sbstantive and methodologic lessons from a pilot study of environmental effects · Social Science & Medicine · 2002 · 204 citations
- Augmentative Communication and Early Intervention · Infants & Young Children · 2005 · 201 citations
Most recent work
- How walkable are our cities for older adults? Mediation of comfort, convenience, and aesthetics · F1000Research · 2026
- Digital Health Technology Applications in Home Care for Children With Complex Medical Conditions: A Scoping Review · Journal of Advanced Nursing · 2026
- Towards promoting innovation in inclusive education: behavioural intention of teachers towards adopting AI to teach students with learning disabilities in the UAE · Smart Learning Environments · 2026
- Is the accessible truly walkable? Does proximity to services translate into walking? · Cities · 2026
- Identifying older adults’ communication support needs and preferences: a scoping review of measurement instruments · The Gerontologist · 2026
- Drivers of booster seat use and non-use among caregivers in the United States · Journal of Safety Research · 2026
- Using a Modified Tootling Intervention to Increase Preschool Students’ Sharing · School Psychology Review · 2026
- Perspectives of Students With Visual Impairments on Assistive Technology in the Classroom · The Journal of Special Education · 2026
- The Effects of Universal Design for Learning and AI-AT on the Engagement and Academic Outcomes of Students with Disabilities · International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research · 2026
- Breaking Barriers with Braille: Driving Literacy and Lifelong Learning for Learners with Visual Impairment · International Journal of Sustainability and Advanced Integrated Research · 2026
Find a gap in your own Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility sub-topic
This page shows what the Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility literature already flags as unresolved. To narrow it to your specific question, run the guided finder — it searches the gap library on demand and checks candidates against 250M+ OpenAlex works.
Open the Research Gap Finder →