What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes any device or system that helps a person with a disability to perform tasks that they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. AT can be anything from a wheelchair to simple magnifying glass.

While devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids have been around for centuries, the field of assistive technology is always evolving to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Today, assistive technology can help people with disabilities live independently, go to school, work, and participate in their communities.

AT can be used by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It can be used at home, at work, or in the community.

Assistive Technology (AT) Devices

There is a wide range of assistive technology devices available to help people with different types of disabilities. Some of the most common types of AT include:

Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs can help people with physical disabilities get around independently.
Hearing aids: Hearing aids can help people with hearing impairments hear better.
Prosthetic devices: Prosthetic devices can help people with amputations or other physical disabilities regain some level of mobility.
Communication devices: Communication devices can help people with communication disorders, such as autism or cerebral palsy, to express themselves.
Mobility devices: Mobility devices can help people with physical disabilities get around independently.
Computers and software: Computers and software can help people with cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD, to learn and work.
Visual aids: Visual aids can help people with vision impairments see and interact with their environment.

What are the benefits of Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology can offer many benefits to people with disabilities. Some of the potential benefits include:

Independence: AT can help people with disabilities live independently by enabling them to perform tasks that they would otherwise be unable to do.
Access to education: AT can help people with disabilities access education by providing them with the tools they need to participate in the classroom.
Employment opportunities: AT can help people with disabilities find employment by providing them with the tools they need to perform their job duties.
Improved quality of life: AT can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing them with the means to live independently and participate in their communities.

What are the disadvantages of Assistive Technology?

While assistive technology can offer many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Some of the potential disadvantages include:

High cost: Assistive technology can be expensive, and not all insurance plans will cover the cost of AT devices.
Lack of availability: Assistive technology is not always available when and where it is needed. For example, there may not be a wheelchair ramp at a person’s workplace or school.
Training and support: People who use assistive technology may need training and support to learn how to use their devices effectively.
The stigma associated with using AT: This can make it difficult for people with disabilities to feel comfortable using AT devices.

How can I get started with Assistive Technology?

If you think that assistive technology could help you or someone you know, there are a few things you can do to get started:

Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if AT could be helpful and make referrals to specialists who can provide more information.
Contact your local Department of Rehabilitation or other state agency that provides services for people with disabilities. These agencies can provide information about AT and refer you to resources in your community.
Connect with a national or local disability organization. These organizations can provide information, support, and referral services.
Search the internet. There are a variety of websites that offer information about AT devices and services.
Contact the manufacturer of a specific AT device. The manufacturer may be able to provide you with information about how to use their product.

How has assistive technology evolved over the years?

AT has evolved significantly over the years, thanks to advances in technology. Some of the most notable changes include:

Development of lighter-weight materials: This has made AT devices more comfortable and easier to use.
The development of wireless technologies: This has made AT devices more portable and easier to use.
Development of new technologies: This has allowed AT devices to be more customized to meet the needs of individual users.
The increase in government funding: This has made AT more accessible to people with disabilities.
The increase in public awareness: This has helped to reduce the stigma associated with using AT devices.

What are some of the future trends in Assistive Technology?

Some of the future trends in AT include:

The development of more affordable AT devices: This will make AT more accessible to a wider range of people.
The development of more user-friendly AT devices: This will make it easier for people with disabilities to use AT devices.
Increase in the use of AT in schools: This will help children with disabilities get the support they need to succeed in school.
The increase in the use of AT in the workplace: This will help people with disabilities to find and keep employment.
The increase in the use of AT in the community: This will help people with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities.

How can assistive technology help people with disabilities live independently?

AT can help people with disabilities live independently by:

Enabling them to perform activities of daily living: This includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Helping them to communicate: This includes devices such as communication boards and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.
Help also to move around: This includes devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
Helping them to care for themselves: This includes devices such as personal care aides and medication reminder systems.
Helping them to participate in their community: This includes devices such as adaptive sports equipment and transportation services.

How can assistive technology help children with disabilities in school?

AT can help children with disabilities in school by:

Enabling them to participate in the classroom: This includes devices such as adaptive furniture and communication boards.
Helping them to access the curriculum: This includes devices such as Braille books and computer software.
Helping them to participate in extracurricular activities: This includes devices such as adaptive sports equipment and transportation services.
Help also to interact with their peers: This includes devices such as social skills training software.
Helping them to transition to adulthood: This includes devices such as job coaching and independent living skills training.

How can assistive technology help people with disabilities find and keep employment?

AT can help people with disabilities find and keep employment by:

Enabling them to participate in the job search process: This includes devices such as resume writing software and job search engines.
Helping them to prepare for interviews: This includes devices such as interview coaching services and practice interview software.
Helping them to perform their job duties: This includes devices such as computer software and adaptive equipment.
Help also to interact with their co-workers: This includes devices such as social skills training software.
Helping them to transition to a new job: This includes devices such as job coaching and career counselling services.

How can assistive technology help people with disabilities participate in their community?

AT can help people with disabilities participate in their community by:

Enabling them to communicate with others: This includes devices such as communication boards and AAC systems.
Helping them to get around: This includes devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
Helping them to access community resources: This includes devices such as transportation services and community directories.
Help also participate in activities: This includes devices such as adaptive sports equipment and recreation programs.
Helping them to stay connected with family and friends: This includes devices such as video phones and social networking websites.

What are some common misconceptions about assistive technology?

Some common misconceptions about AT include:

It is only for people with severe disabilities: This is not true. AT can be used by people with all types of disabilities, from mild to severe.
AT is expensive: This is not always true. There are many low-cost and even free AT options available.
AT is only for children: This is not true. AT can be used by people of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Assistive Technology is only for use in the home: This is not true. AT can be used in many different settings, including school, work, and the community.
It is only for use by people with physical disabilities: This is not true. AT can be used by people with all types of disabilities, including mental and emotional disabilities.

What are some tips for choosing the right assistive technology?

Some tips for choosing AT include:

Consider the user’s needs: What tasks does the user need to be able to perform? What are their specific goals?
Consider the user’s preferences: What type of devices does the user prefer? What is their level of comfort with using technology?
Consider the user’s abilities: What is the user’s level of ability? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Consider the user’s lifestyle: What is the user’s daily routine? What are their hobbies and interests?
Consider the user’s budget: How much can the user afford to spend on AT? Are there any funding sources available to help cover the cost of AT?

Where can you find AT devices, and how much do they cost?

AT devices are available from a variety of sources, including:

Retail stores: Many retail stores, such as Walmart and Target, sell AT devices.
Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell AT devices, such as Amazon and eBay.
Assistive technology providers: Assistive technology providers (ATPs) are businesses that specialize in selling AT devices.
Manufacturers: Some manufacturers, such as Apple and Microsoft, sell AT devices directly to consumers.
Nonprofit organizations: Some nonprofit organizations, such as the American Foundation for the Blind, provide AT devices at no cost to eligible individuals.

The cost of AT devices varies widely, depending on the type of device and the source. Some AT devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, can cost thousands of dollars. Other AT devices, such as magnifiers and communication boards, can cost less than $100. There are also many AT devices that are available at no cost through programs like the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.