The purpose of this research is to study the levels of use and needs in access technology, opinions of quality of life and the problems and barriers to higher educational institutions. The researcher studied physically disabled students who were studying in the academic year 2001 – 2002. There were 181 students. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which were analyzed by frequency and percentage. The researcher surveyed eight higher educational institutions in the Bangkok area where physically disabled students were enrolled. The results indicated that access technologies that physically disabled students needed were not available in the institutions. These included ramps wider than 90 centimeters, tubular ramp handrails and convenient toilets, etc. Most physically disabled students had a modified residence for personal independence. In the area of access technology available in public but were only used sometimes included building entrances with level pathways, ramps wider than 90 centimeters and toilets with seats and back rests, etc. In addition, public services not available but considered necessary was the use of accessible public transportation. The observation indicated that most institutions did not provide services for physically disabled students. Physically disabled students had different opinions about their quality of life. They strongly agreed with whole items in physical and independence domains. They agreed with whole items in religion /personal beliefs and psychological domain and they had moderate opinion with whole items in environment domain. However, in social relationship domain, i.e. joining public services, attending institution activities and consulting with friends or professors, they strongly disagreed with the whole items. In addition, outdoors exercise activities were not sufficiently supported. As for problems and barriers in higher educational institutions, physically disabled students could not access public transportation, information technology and toilets. It is recommended that educational institutions in Thailand set up service centers for physically disabled students, which provide counseling and consultation, as well as appropriate access technology and information technology for an effective learning environment or employment.

M.A. REHAB SERV FOR PERS DISABILI(ACCESS TECH) มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล ปี 2545

of, ACCESS, Quality, STUDENTS, life, ASSISTIVE, DISABLED, PHYSICALLY, TECHNOLOGY