The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA, atia.org) uses the following definition of assistive technology.

 

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

• AT can be low-tech: communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt.

• AT can be high-tech: special-purpose computers.

• AT can be hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems, and positioning devices.

• AT can be computer hardware: special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices.

• AT can be computer software: screen readers and communication programs.

• AT can be inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids.

• AT can be specialized curricular software.

• AT can be much more—electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and head trackers, and much more.

Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies.

 

 

What does this mean for you?

The use of assistive technology can take many forms. It can be as simple as a pencil gripper to a high tech speech generating communication device. Simply, it comes down to what is something that is a challenge for you and what is something that will help you overcome it.

The range of needs can be vast and very diverse.

 

We are here to help learn about potential tools and how to use them. Keep in mind that a tool that a tool that works very well for someone, may not be the correct fit for someone else. This journey may be challenging at times, but will helpfully end in finding a tool that is a good fit. The ultimate goal is to find tools tools to help individuals be as independent as possible.

Let's get started on this journey together!