What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) makes use of devices and services to reduce barriers and enhance independence for persons with disabilities.  Such aids and adaptations allow individuals with disabilities to function independently in recreation, education and vocational activities. 

An assistive technology device 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.

Assistive technology services provide a comprehensive process of assessments, strategies and adaptive equipment to benefit a person with a disability.  

The use of devices and the provision of services makes up the assistive technology system.

Please view examples of assistive technology at our equipment lending page

TYPES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES

Aids to Daily Living (ADL): Equipment used to aid with eating, bathing, cooking, dressing and home care, such as adaptive feeding equipment, shower chairs, and switch-operated appliances.

Mobility Aids:  Equipment that assists people to transition from place to place such as wheelchairs (powered or manually-operated), three-wheeled scooters, canes, crutches, walkers.

Architectural Items: Structural modifications made to the home, school, or workplace that reduces physical barriers.  These include ramps, elevators, lifts, and special door handles.  

Communication Aids: Devices used to augment or substitute the natural voice such as electronic or hand-operated pictures, gaze systems and prosthetics.  Also known as Alternative and Augmentative Communication Devices (AAC). 

Computer Applications: Alternative input devices including voice recognition, headsticks, light pointers, alternative keyboard and switches and alternative output modes such as Braille and speech.

Environmental Control Systems: Electronic systems or switches that help a person control appliances, electronic equipment, lights, telephones and security systems in their home, workplace or elsewhere.  

Prosthetics and Orthotics: Equipment to augment or substitute natural body parts such as braces (prosthetics) and artificial arms, hands, legs or feet (orthotics).

Seating and Positioning: Changes made to wheelchairs or other seating systems to provide postural alignment and optimal access to the environment, including cushions, back and head supports, wedges and boosters.

Sensory Aids: Devices used by persons with visual and auditory deficits including eyeglasses, hearing aids, telecommunication aids and magnifying devices

Transportation Adaptations: Modifications made to vehicles such as hand controls, lifts, ramps and keyless entry.

TYPES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Information about various services and equipment that are available

Referral to specialized programs or individuals associated with delivering/providing the technology

Assessment of a person's need for modifications or perhaps a piece of equipment based on their physical functioning capabilities

Recommendation for a modification or specific aid or device to help meet the need

Ordering the equipment from a manufacturer, commercial vendor or other source

Fitting the device, perhaps with some modifications, to the individual

Fabrication of a custom piece of equipment or a modification that meets the needs of the person with a disability

Evaluation of how well the proposed solution helps solve the original problem

Training on the device

Maintenance/Repair of equipment or modifications

Follow-up to determine how well the solution works over time or any changes that need to be made in the original recommendations; or any possible new need for assistive technology services, aids or modifications. 

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC DEVICES CALL: 202-589-0288 (V) 202-589-1260 (TTY)