Assistive Technology
People with disabilities today are leading more independent lives than in generations past, often with the assistance of devices designed to help them with everyday activities, collectively called assistive technology. Learn more about the types of assistive technology available, how to find devices and where to get help paying for them.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Assistive Technology?
A prosthetic limb, a hearing aid, special switches for home appliances—all are considered assistive technology, or things that help people with disabilities live more independent lives. Use the links in this section to learn how assistive technology can help people of all ages.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Assistive technology is also abbreviated as AT online.
- Some good places on the Web to find information about assistive technologies are at the Web sites of AT and disability advocacy organizations, AT developers, and hospital and training centers.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of assistive technology …
The Alliance for Technology Access
offers an overview called “Taking the Mystery Out of Assistive Technology” that explains what it is. This piece also offers advice on the experts who recommend devices, and what to consider when selecting AT.
For children …
The Family Center on Technology and Disability
has a guide for families whose children need AT. The guide discusses what assistive technology can do for kids, and includes step-by-step advice and people’s stories. Use the links on the right to navigate the site.
For senior citizens …
The Administration on Aging
has a four-page PDF fact sheet that describes the different categories of assistive technology. This piece also describes AT’s benefits, and how to tell whether AT is right for you.
Types of Assistive Technology
All sorts of assistive technology exist, from items that would be considered “low-tech,” such as a ramp outside the home, to the most sophisticated software. Learn about some of the technology that can help people live more independently in this section of the guide.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Assistive technology is an extremely broad category. Depending on a person’s need and the circumstance, almost any item could be considered assistive technology. In this section, we’ve selected a few situations or abilities that AT can address and offer links to more information.
- If the type of assistive technology you need isn’t described, use the search engine in the “To find the right type of AT product” sub-section.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of assistive technology types …
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center has an assistive technology Web site that introduces different devices to help people at home and work. Other pages illustrate devices to help people with communication and recreation.
For visual impairments …
Abledata
is a government database created by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. This page has a fact sheet on Braille with an introduction to the Braille system and information on printers, copiers and software. Scroll down the page for a directory of Braille equipment distributors and manufacturers.
The American Foundation for the Blind
introduces assistive technology for the visually impaired. Browse the linked list on the right to find items like video magnifiers, optical recognition systems and computer screen magnifiers. Another page offers tips for using a computer with low vision.
For communication impairments …
Abledata
describes the different types of communications equipment available, and who might benefit from them. Such devices, for example, could help those with Lou Gehrig’s disease and multiple sclerosis, or those recovering from a stroke.
For mobility …
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
offers advice (in a PDF document) for choosing a cane or walker, and using each of them safely. The information is useful for people of any age who are considering a walker or cane.
Abledata
has a fact sheet on the different types of manual wheelchairs, such as sport wheelchairs and those for children. Also find information on power wheelchairs and scooters.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
has a guide to adapting vehicles for people with disabilities. Learn how to save money, determine what kind of adaptation is needed, find the right person to install the equipment, and get the proper training for operating new equipment.
For making home modifications …
Abledata
has a fact sheet on adapting your home with ramps and other modifications. The page explains specifications for ramps and describes the different types of ramps.
To find the right type of AT product …
Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access
(CATEA) is part of the Georgia Institute of Technology and has an AT search engine. Search for assistive technology products by function or activity, such as mobility, computer, communication or personal recreation.
For advice on AT and children …
The California Department of Education
has a list of questions and answers about assistive technology for children. Jill Rivers, an assistive technology specialist, answers questions about computer software, visual software and other topics.
Finding and Financing Assistive Technology
As assistive technology grows more sophisticated, the costs associated with it can rise, too. Luckily, there are several programs and organizations that help finance AT, or connect people to discounted devices. Learn how to find the assistive technology you need, and get helping paying for it in this section.
Dulcinea's Insight
- When applying for an assistive technology grant or loan, reading the program’s requirements and instructions carefully can save you time in the application process. Programs can have restrictions that make you ineligible. Medicare and Medicaid, for example, have strict age and income guidelines, respectively.
© 2010 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
