888-466-1314Assistive Technology Questions
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT), as defined by Public Law 108-364, is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Why is it important to be aware of Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology has the powerful potential of impacting persons with disabilities by contributing to their ability to learn or obtain a job, to be independent and to increase self-esteem and quality of life.
What are some examples of Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology ranges on a continuum from low-tech to high-tech devices or equipment. The following is a description of the categories:
Low-tech AT includes devices or equipment that doesn't require much training, that may be less expensive and that do not have complex or mechanical features.
Examples: handheld magnifiers, reading large print text, using paper and pen to communicate; canes or walkers, color coding, automatic lights, specialized pen or pencil grips and much more.
Mid-tech AT are devices or equipment that range in the middle of the continuum, may have some complex features, may be electronic or battery-operated or may require some training to learn how to use and are more expensive than the low-tech devices.
Examples: talking spell-checkers, manual wheelchairs, electronic organizers, closed-caption televisions, amplifiers, text pagers, larger computer monitors, books on tape, remote controls for your environment, alternate mouse or keyboard for the computer and much more.
High-tech AT refers to the most complex devices or equipment that have digital or electronic components and that may be computerized; will likely require training and effort to learn how to use, and that cost the most.
Examples: power wheelchairs or scooters, prosthetic devices, digital hearing aids, computers with specialized software such as voice recognition or magnification software; electronic aids to daily living, voice-activated telephones, communication devices with voices, digital books or information on MP3 players and much more.
What can Assistive Technology devices help with?
Assistive Technology for Computer Access: Voice recognition, touch screens, head/eye control systems, programmable trackballs and mice, large print keyboards and keyguards.
Assistive Technology for Motor Aspects of Writing: Adapted pens and pencils, splints, pencil grips, paper with raised lines and voice dictation.
Assistive Technology for Composing Written Material: Literacy programs, word-prediction and word-completion software.
Assistive Technology for Reading: Changes in text size, spacing, color, background, scan-and-read hardware/software, page-turners, electronic books or use of pictures/symbols with text.
Assistive Technology for Communication: Communication software for a computer with voice output, alternative and augmentative devices and artificial larynx devices.
Assistive Technology for Learning/Studying: Scanning/reading pens, digital recorders and literacy software.
Assistive Technology for Math: Talking calculators, enlarged math worksheets, voice-recognition software; alternatives for answering, explaining or giving examples; and onscreen/scanning calculator.
Assistive Technology for Daily Living: products to make life easier and safer, while supporting independent living activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, walking, communicating and controlling one's environment.
Assistive Technology for Mobility: Wheelchairs, scooters, canes, stair-lifts, chair-lifts and adapted vehicles.
Assistive Technology for Hearing: Amplified phones, telephone accessories, alarm systems, sign language and video remote interpreting.
Assistive Technology for Vision: Magnifiers, screen-readers, scanning/reading programs, digital recorders and braille devices.
Assistive Technology for Vocational Goals: Modified off-the-shelf tools and equipment and custom devices.
Assistive Technology for Recreation and Leisure: Adaptive sporting equipment; toys adapted with Velcro magnets, handles, or for single switch operation; arm support for drawing/painting; accessible parks, boats and lifts for swimming pools.
These are just a few examples. For more information, please contact our Information and Referral Specialist at 1-888-466-1314 with your questions.
What are Assistive Technology Services?
- Assessing the individual's need for assistive technology
- Training the individual to use the assistive technology
- Training the family and/or supervisor to use the assistive technology for reinforcement and backup
- Fitting, adapting, maintaining and repairing the assistive technology as needed
- Assessing the work site and job responsibilities: What you should know about the job and assistive technology
Reducing Barriers
Assistive Technology can reduce barriers and increase independence for work, school or life. From getting ready in the morning, getting to and from school or work, performing tasks, participating in your environment to interacting with teachers, friends, coworkers and employers, Assistive Technology can make a difference! View some short videos that demonstrate how Easter Seals Crossroads has worked with individuals with disabilities to use assistive technology to become more independent.
Assistive Technology can allow you to perform the essential functions of your job. Often, you already know what type of Assistive Technology device you need to get your job done. If you've used an Assistive Technology device successfully in school or college, then that same device may be just what you need in the workplace. Sometimes just brainstorming with your employer and supervisor and trying different items available in your work setting might be enough to figure out what will work for you.
Other times, a formal Assistive Technology Evaluation is needed to assess your work setting, job tasks and your abilities to determine what Assistive Technology device you will need. Finally, talking with someone who has been through a similar experience as you may help you figure out which Assistive Technology device to use.
