Data was also collected by interviews with the parents and by video-observations of children s play. The parents were also involved in interpretation of the videotapes. In this presentation we will present examples from the videotapes and from the interviews. The role and importance of the computer can be seen from many different angles. This general question the importance of the computer for the over all development of the child is answered with high grades.
Parents have high expectations on the computer as an assistive device.
We can also draw the conclusion that the computer not only is expected to be of good help but is also already experienced as an important aid for the child. The data show, concerning the importance of the computer for the development of language that in all 54 per cent of the parents are in favour of the computer. Parents to children with grave or multiple disabilities assess this aspect higher than the rest of the group. 61 per cent give a rating more than five. Parents to children with hearing impairments generally give higher grades than other parents when it comes to the importance of the computer in the development of language.