What is Assistive Technology?

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology is any tool, equipment or service designed to help develop, maintain, or improve your ability to function in all aspects of your life. Assistive technology helps people of all ages who may have a broad range of disabilities or limitations.

Assistive Technology helps in many different ways.

For someone who does not have use of his hands, assistive technology may a mean no-worry dinner thanks to a special fork grip or plate guard. To a child or adult who cannot use her own voice, assistive technology may mean a communication device to chat with a friend. To a person who is visually impaired, assistive technology can mean a specially adapted computer to use at school or work. With assistive technology, people with disabilities can find freedom and independence which allows them to fully participate in their home, community and workplace.

Definition of assistive technology as appears in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.

Assistive Technology - The term "assistive technology" means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.

Assistive Technology Device - The term "assistive technology device" means an item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Service - The term "assistive technology service" means a service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such terms include --

• the evaluation of the assistive technology needs of an individual with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the impact of the provision of appropriate assistive technology and appropriate services to the individual in the customary environment of the individual;
• services consisting of purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by individuals with disabilities;
• services consisting of selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
• coordination and use of necessary therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as thereapies, interventions, or services associated with education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
• training or technical assistance for an individual with disabilities, or, where appropriate, the family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such an individual; and
• training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disablities.