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Assistive Technology 
   
 

 

Assistive technology is defined in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act) as any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

We live in a fast-paced world where new technology is constantly being developed. Certainly computers come to mind, and there are other devices llike cell phones we have come to take for granted.  Assistive technology also includes commonly used devices such as doors that open automatically, audio books, and elevators.  Then think about smart homes and video relay interpreting for deaf/hard of hearing and speakers of language other than English. 

Tools of technology can facilitate access to many activities for individuals with a variety of disabling conditions.  Resources abound in areas of access to devices/equipment, assessment to determine which types of AT would be beneficial, legislation, funding, training, and more.

In addition to resources listed here, there are many commercially available products targeted at the general population that may be helpful to individuals with disabilities. 

This collection is a work in progress. Please email us at familysupport@aed.org to suggest additional resources.

About Assistive Technology (AT)

Technological devices can really make things possible for people with disabilities. This University of Washington site defines and explains what is meant by assistive technology and gives a history of AccessIT (the National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education). There are links to resources, videos and publications you'll find useful whether you need an electronic reading device or just a grabber to reach something more easily. And these are just two examples. Follow the link above for more.
 
How can assistive technology (AT) make life more independent for someone with a disability as well as easier for a caregiver? AT goes by lots of different names such as assistive devices, adaptive equipment, or independent living aids.
 
This video from Alliance for Technology shows real-life use of AT for all age groups and types of disabilities.
  
Could you use a little help with all the different terms for assistive technology?  The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) has what you are looking for.
 
The Coalition of Organizations for Assistive Technology (COAT) glossary that explains common and technical terms used in relations to television, telephones, and web technology.
 
Many people have questions about assistive technology. Here is a website that answers the most frequently asked questions on AT for children in school as well as adult issues, getting funding, and more.
 
Closing the Gap is an online resource all about assistive technology and disability.
This publication from The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) discusses what AT is, The Possibilities of AT, AT in Schools, Funding Options, Questions and Tips, a Glossary and Resources.
 
 
AT Laws
 
If you would like to know what laws there are regarding assistive technology, this website will educate you. It is from the Assistive Technology Training Online Project, which is a good site to know about.
 
Learn more about the Assistive Technology Act
Would you like to know more about the Assistive Technology Act?  This webpage from NICHCY will let you read the Act, provides definitions, offers summaries of the law, will help you find your state’s AT Project, and also share resources and references for AT.
 
Understanding the Law and Assistive Technology
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) also has a great resource on laws that pertain to assistive technology and disability.

Miscellaneous AT Articles and Resources

A free CD-Rom for those who do not have access to the Internet is offered by the Family Center on Technology and Disability. It has all of the information from their website, including transcripts of online discussions, their newsletters, resource reviews, and more.  Call them at 202-884-8068, or visit their website.
 

Family Place in Cyberspace offers information and resources that address the assistive technology needs of families of children with disabilities. This site also provides information in Spanish.

If you are looking for information on assistive technology for individuals with health problems or disabilities, this website offers just that. It has a whole section on AT for activities of daily living, as well as home and building modifications, organizations to check out, and catalogs that may be of interest.
 
Family Caregivers Alliance: Assistive Technology (AT)
This website has all kinds of information on AT, including how and where to find independent living aids and adaptive equipment, home and vehicle modifications, possible funding sources, and more.  

Removing Barriers to Autism: OrbiTouch Keyboard
For some individuals with autism, using a traditional computer keyboard is too distracting.  Other people might have limited use of their hands. Pete McAlindon created the OrbiTouch keyboard which has only two keys to help make it easier for people to use and communicate on a computer. There are even lesson plans to go along with it. Find out more about this National Science Foundation project.
 
Business Week has an article about how many of the hot new items used in devices like cell phones, video games and iPods were originally invented for people with disabilities.  "Some customers need assistive technologies, and other people want convenience. We try to solve problems for the disabled community, then we drive the solutions into the mainstream, to let everyone take advantage of them."
 
Technology improves both access to and services of public transportation vehicles and systems. Read more about it from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the U.S. Department on Transportation.
 
Door Opening Device Designed by Students
Scott Dorfman is a wheelchair user who used to depend on others to open doors for him. Then some engineering students designed a telescopic mechanical arm with a clamp at the end so he can open the doors.  Read about it in this article from the Miami Herald by Ana Veciana Suarez.
 
United Cerebral Palsy of North Texas made it possible for a 63-year-old woman to finally have speech. They purchased a computer for her that tracks her eye movements to say phrases. Read about this in the Dallas Morning News story by Kim Horner.
 
Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology
This publication from The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) discusses what AT is, The Possibilities of AT, AT in Schools, Funding Options, Questions and Tips, a Glossary and Resources.
 
AccessWireless.org
This is a web portal to the wireless world for individuals with disabilities including persons who are deaf, blind, hearing impaired or have mobility or cognitive disabilities. Visit this site to learn more about cellphones, smart phones, applications, and services to meet your individual needs.
 
Video Relay Interpreting
The American Sign Language Interpreter Network offers Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) in which deaf/hard of hearing and hearing individuals, or limited proficient persons NOT in the same location can easily communicate using a remote video interpreter on the computer. Learn more from the ASL Network.
 
 

Funding

State AT and Telework Financial Loan Programs offer low rates to help people with disabilities buy AT devices. Click the red title of this entry to see state listings.

AT Funding Strategy, a booklet to help you develop an effective strategy for funding the purchase of needed assistive technology devices.

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AT in Education
 
Browse the education related issues addressed on the Family Center on Technology and Disability website: The Possibilities of AT, AT in Schools, Funding Options, Questions and Tips, a Glossary and Resources.
 

"Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities," a collection of articles and websites from Family Village.

Assistive Technology and the IEP
This Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) publication explains about how to include AT needs in the IEP to make sure that children get the technology they need to help them get the most from their education.

The Family Center on Technology and Disability has this new guide which will help families plan for the periods of transition on their children’s lives.  Check out this great AT resource now.
Just how does IDEA define Assistive Technology? Find out from the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.  You'll also find AT ideas for specific disabilities including vision, communication, hearing, and learning and studying.
 
Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities
You might be surprised at the many ways assistive technology can help students with disabilities. Family Village, a "global community of disability-related resources," has great list of articles and websites on this topic.

AT in Employment

Here is a program that might be good for your state.  See how a number of disability organizations work together to enhance the use of AT in employment for individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania.

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AT in Recreation
 
 
Do you need help finding the right adaptive equipment and assistive technology? Find lots of resources to help individuals with disabilities participate in the sports, hobbies and recreation programs of their choice.

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AT for Housing

Smart Homes
Check out our page on Housing Technology that explains new smart home technology.

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AT for Seniors
 
Aging and Technology Research: Study Modules
If you are worried about your loved ones who are aging or disabled and how you can help them to remain at home, have a look at this study module which has lots of ideas for assistive technology devices for memory, bathing, eating, transfers, and meal preparation. Click the orange links at the bottom right of the text to move forward and back in the module. 
 
Microsoft Showcases Assistive Technology for Seniors
Sometimes seniors feel isolated and lonely. New York City partnered with Microsoft to create a program that helps seniors stay connected with family, friends and the community, by providing free desktop computers and assistive technology to seniors.  There is even a 2-way camera at a senior center so those who cannot attend in person can participate via computer in activities.  One senior said about the program, "I'm alive again." Read the story from Newsweek by Suzanne Robitaille.
 
Videos about Hearing Aid Compatibility for Phones
Are you looking to buy a new cell phone? Watch these videos from AccessWireless.org to help you choos a hearing aid compatible wireless device that meets your needs.
 

Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)
CAST is leading the charge to expedite the development, evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies that can improve the aging experience. CAST has become an international coalition of more than 400 technology companies, aging services organizations, research universities, and government representatives.

One in Six Has a Hearing Loss
Do you have a hearing loss?  Many people do as they age. Take a look at this website which has lots of information on hearing, hearing loss and the advances made in hearing aids. You can even take an informal hearing test on this site.
 
 

AT Stories

A father had a debilitating stroke before his child was born, so his wife went to work, and he became the baby’s caregiver. Find out about the AT that changed his life and helped him in his transition to provide care, as well as many other stories of people whose lives were made easier by assistive technology.
 
 
AT Organizations
 
FCTD is funded by the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education, and has a web site with information on assistive technology, related links, success stories and you can also submit your own story. There's also information on the Summer Institute this organization runs and some data on summer camps.
 

Products

Pass It On Center: The National AT Reuse Center
This website will allow you to find re-use locations for assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment near you. You can search by state/territory, zip code, type of reuse, type of equipment, and ages served by the center. What a good idea!

ABLEDATA
How can you find out about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment? ABLEDATA doesn't sell anything but has information on thousands of products.  The website even lets you review products and there is a classified section for used equipment.  It's definitely worth a look.

Learn about the assistive technology options available for people with any disability.  AllTech has lots of resources, ideas, and even has a short-term loan program so you can try out devices before buying.
 


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