Assistive Technology: Enhancing Accessibility and Independence for All
Assistive technology refers to items, equipment, or product systems that are used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It promotes greater independence by enabling people of all ages with disabilities to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed in work, school, and daily living.
Types
There are many types available to address different functional limitations. Some major categories include:
Communication Assistive Technology
It includes augmentative and Assistive Technologies devices to help individuals who are unable to speak or have difficulty communicating. This includes speech-generating devices, spelling boards, computer access to support typing, switches, scanning, and alternative keyboards. These technologies allow individuals who have trouble speaking to communicate through voice output, spelling words, typing messages, or accessing communication software or apps.
Daily Living
It help individuals perform tasks involved in daily self-care activities such as dressing, eating, bathing, and other functional activities needed for independent living. Examples include mobility devices, reachers for retrieving objects, dressers and fasteners, adapted eating utensils, bathing aids, and environmental controls for access to TVs, lights, doors, and more. These technologies support greater independence in performing daily routines.
Educational and Learning Assistive Technology
It supports learning for students with disabilities. This includes tools such as written materials in alternative formats like audiobooks and digital text, classroom amplification systems, alternative computer access through switches or specialized software/apps, recording devices, and tools to support organization, time management, and note taking. The goal is to provide access to curriculum and equal opportunities to learn.
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