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Assistive Technology Overview

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool, device, software, or adaptation that helps a disabled person do something. This could be a cane, a wheelchair, a screen reader, a specialized keyboard, a piece of paper with written instructions, or a modified kitchen tool. AT isn’t just high-tech; it’s any adaptation that improves function and independence.

This page covers what AT is, how to find it, how to use it, funding for AT, and how to advocate for accessible technology. It centers the reality that AT should be accessible, affordable, and chosen by disabled people (not imposed by others).

Content note: This page discusses technology costs, access barriers, and gatekeeping around AT. It also discusses assistive technology as tool, not cure.

Historical Context and Who Built This

Section titled “Historical Context and Who Built This”

Disabled people have always adapted their environments and tools. The formal field of assistive technology emerged in the 1960s-70s, largely led by disabled people and disability organizations pushing for better tools and access.

Technology has become increasingly important—from early low-tech adaptations to modern high-tech solutions. Yet access remains unequal: wealthy disabled people get expensive tech; poor disabled people struggle. High-tech AT gets funding; low-tech AT is overlooked. Mainstream tech is often inaccessible; disabled people have to fight for accessibility features.

Key Concepts

Section titled “Key Concepts”

What is Assistive Technology?

Section titled “What is Assistive Technology?”

AT includes:

  • Low-tech: Canes, crutches, walkers, grab bars, magnifiers, large-print books, modified utensils
  • Medium-tech: Hearing aids, wheelchairs, specialized chairs, speech-generating devices, Braille notetakers
  • High-tech: Screen readers, speech recognition software, eye-tracking devices, powered wheelchairs with computers, brain-computer interfaces
  • Software and apps: Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS), text-to-speech, magnification software, focus apps for ADHD, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)
  • Modifications: Adapted kitchen tools, accessible furniture, modified lighting, quiet spaces
  • Services: Personal attendants, interpreters, notetakers (can be considered AT in some systems)

All AT is valid: Low-tech doesn’t mean “not really” AT. A pencil with a grip modification is AT. A notebook to write reminders is AT.

AT vs. Accessibility

Section titled “AT vs. Accessibility”

Assistive technology = tools used by disabled person Accessibility = design features everyone can use (captions for everyone, not just deaf people; ramps for everyone, not just wheelchair users)

Both matter. Good design means less need for individual AT.

Why This Matters

Section titled “Why This Matters”

Assistive technology:

  • Enables independence: Using AT you choose maintains autonomy
  • Improves function: AT makes activities possible or easier
  • Reduces pain: Proper tools and ergonomics reduce pain
  • Increases participation: Better AT = more ability to participate
  • Supports choice: Using AT you want, not forced tools
  • Enables work: Many AT allows disabled people to work
  • Enables learning: AT allows access to education
  • Improves quality of life: Right tools = better living

Finding the Right AT

Section titled “Finding the Right AT”

Assessing Your Needs

Section titled “Assessing Your Needs”

Questions:

  • What activity is hard or impossible now?
  • What would make that easier?
  • What do you already use that helps?
  • What have you tried that didn’t work?
  • What would enable what you want to do?
  • Who can help you figure this out?

Process:

  • Think about specific activities (not just “mobility” but “standing for 20 minutes”)
  • Talk to others with same disability
  • Consult professionals (occupational therapist, speech pathologist, etc.)
  • Try different options if possible
  • What works for others might not work for you (individualization)

Professional Consultation

Section titled “Professional Consultation”

Who can help:

  • Occupational therapists (OTs): Specialize in daily activities and adaptations
  • Speech-language pathologists (SLPs): Specialize in communication and swallowing
  • Rehabilitation engineers: Design and modify AT
  • Vendor specialists: Know available products
  • Peers with same disability: Lived experience invaluable

Finding professionals:

  • Disability organization referrals
  • Your healthcare provider
  • School or workplace accommodation services
  • Peer recommendations
  • Disability community connections

Peer Knowledge and Community

Section titled “Peer Knowledge and Community”

Often most useful for finding AT:

  • Disabled people with same disability share what works
  • Community knowledge about specific products
  • Real-world experience with durability, cost, ease of use
  • Affinity groups for specific disabilities
  • Online communities (Facebook groups, Reddit, Discord)
  • In-person support groups and communities

Low-Tech Assistive Technology

Section titled “Low-Tech Assistive Technology”

Low-tech AT is often overlooked but incredibly useful and accessible.

Mobility and Daily Living

Section titled “Mobility and Daily Living”

Canes and crutches:

  • Reduce weight bearing
  • Improve balance
  • Increase independence
  • Various types (quad cane, offset handle, etc.)
  • Affordable and low-maintenance

Walkers and rollators:

  • Stability and support
  • Gait training
  • Can carry items (if rollator)
  • Folding or wheeled options
  • Long-term use possibility

Grab bars and handles:

  • Installed in bathrooms, entries
  • Prevent falls
  • Support transfers
  • Affordable installation
  • Accessible to all ages

Raised toilet seat and shower chair:

  • Reduce bending and reaching
  • Improve safety
  • Affordable and simple
  • Can be temporary or permanent

Reachers and grabbers:

  • Retrieve items without bending
  • Extended reach
  • Minimal skill required
  • Inexpensive
  • Effective for mobility and pain disabilities

Modified utensils and tools:

  • Weighted utensils (reduce tremor)
  • Enlarged grips (easier holding)
  • Lightweight tools (reduce arm fatigue)
  • Adapted cutting boards
  • Minimal cost

Communication and Learning

Section titled “Communication and Learning”

Magnifiers:

  • Large print reading
  • Handheld or standing magnifiers
  • Inexpensive
  • Effective for low vision

Writing guides and adapted paper:

  • Lines to guide writing
  • Sloped writing boards
  • Page holders
  • Simple and effective

Timers and reminders:

  • Written schedules
  • Visual reminders
  • Timers for time management
  • Cost-effective executive function support

Audio alternatives:

  • Audiobooks and podcasts
  • Audio descriptions
  • Recordings
  • Cost varies (library copies free; purchases expensive)

Medium-Tech Assistive Technology

Section titled “Medium-Tech Assistive Technology”

Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants

Section titled “Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants”

Hearing aids:

  • Amplify sound
  • Various styles and prices
  • Can be invisible to very visible
  • Require ongoing adjustment and maintenance
  • Expensive in many countries

Cochlear implants:

  • Surgical implant
  • Bypasses damaged cochlea
  • Controversial in Deaf community
  • Not recommended for everyone
  • Requires surgery and rehabilitation

Powered Wheelchairs

Section titled “Powered Wheelchairs”

Benefits:

  • Reduce arm/shoulder strain
  • Enable longer mobility
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Allow independence for people unable to propel manual chair

Considerations:

  • More expensive than manual
  • Requires maintenance
  • Heavier (affects transport)
  • Battery charging necessary
  • Can be stigmatized but are real need for many

Speech-Generating Devices and AAC

Section titled “Speech-Generating Devices and AAC”

Types:

  • Basic buttons that play recorded words
  • Computer-based with keyboard
  • Eye-tracking device
  • Predictive software (like texting)
  • Apps on tablet or phone

Function:

  • Enable communication for non-speaking or minimally speaking people
  • Can be incredibly sophisticated
  • Should match person’s needs and abilities
  • Often very expensive

Funding:

  • Insurance may cover (varies)
  • Medicaid covers in some states
  • Nonprofits sometimes fund
  • School districts sometimes fund for students
  • Private funding challenging

Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics

Section titled “Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics”

Orthotics:

  • Support and align limbs
  • Reduce pain
  • Improve function
  • Custom-made (expensive)
  • Require professional fitting

Prosthetics:

  • Replace missing limb
  • Highly customizable
  • Functional or cosmetic
  • Very expensive
  • Insurance coverage varies

High-Tech Assistive Technology

Section titled “High-Tech Assistive Technology”

Screen Readers and Text-to-Speech

Section titled “Screen Readers and Text-to-Speech”

What they do:

  • Read text on screen aloud
  • Allow computer use for blind and low vision people
  • Enable access to web and documents
  • Built into most modern devices (some are free)

Examples:

  • NVDA (free, Windows)
  • JAWS (paid, Windows)
  • VoiceOver (built into Mac, iPhone, iPad)
  • TalkBack (built into Android)

Cost: Free to $1,000+

Magnification Software

Section titled “Magnification Software”

What it does:

  • Enlarges screen text and images
  • Various magnification levels
  • Can be adjusted as vision changes
  • Works across applications

Examples:

  • Built-in: Windows magnifier, Mac zoom
  • Third-party: ZoomText, MAGic
  • Browser extensions for web magnification

Cost: Free to $500+

Speech Recognition

Section titled “Speech Recognition”

What it does:

  • Convert speech to text
  • Control computer by voice
  • Enable hands-free operation
  • Accommodate voice dysarthria

Examples:

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • Windows Speech Recognition (built-in)
  • Google Docs Voice Typing (free)

Cost: Free to $300+

Eye-Tracking and Gaze Control

Section titled “Eye-Tracking and Gaze Control”

What it does:

  • Follow eye movement
  • Control cursor with eyes
  • Enable computer use for people with limited mobility
  • Can include AAC (speaking software)

Examples:

  • Tobii Eye Tracker
  • Irisbond
  • EyeGaze

Cost: $1,000-$15,000+

Powered and Smart Wheelchairs

Section titled “Powered and Smart Wheelchairs”

Features:

  • Power-assisted or fully powered
  • Navigation systems
  • Can include robotic arm
  • Integration with smart home
  • Highly customizable

Cost: $3,000-$30,000+

Funding: Insurance, Medicaid, veterans benefits, nonprofits, crowdfunding

AT Software and Apps

Section titled “AT Software and Apps”

ADHD and Executive Function

Section titled “ADHD and Executive Function”

Types:

  • Task management apps (Todoist, Things, Asana)
  • Calendar and reminder apps (Google Calendar, Outlook)
  • Focus apps (Forest, Focus@Will)
  • Body doubling (virtual or in-person)
  • Time management tools

Cost: Free to $15/month

Anxiety and Mental Health

Section titled “Anxiety and Mental Health”

Types:

  • Breathing apps (Calm, Headspace)
  • Grounding apps
  • Crisis support apps
  • Meditation apps
  • Peer support apps

Cost: Free to $15/month

Dyslexia and Reading

Section titled “Dyslexia and Reading”

Types:

  • Text-to-speech
  • Dyslexia-friendly fonts
  • Word prediction
  • Reading apps (Immersive Reader built into Microsoft apps)

Cost: Free to $100+

Autism and Sensory Needs

Section titled “Autism and Sensory Needs”

Types:

  • Noise apps and tools (dark, quiet environment)
  • Visual timers
  • Sensory apps
  • Communication apps (word/picture prediction)
  • Stimming tools (digital or physical)

Cost: Free to $50+

Chronic Illness and Pain Management

Section titled “Chronic Illness and Pain Management”

Types:

  • Pain tracking apps
  • Medication reminders
  • Fatigue and energy trackers
  • Appointment management
  • Healthcare navigation apps

Cost: Free to $10/month

AT Funding

Section titled “AT Funding”

Insurance and Government Programs

Section titled “Insurance and Government Programs”

Insurance options:

  • Health insurance may cover AT (varies by plan)
  • Medicaid covers certain AT in most US states
  • Medicare covers some AT (varies)
  • Workers’ compensation covers work-related AT
  • Disability programs may fund AT

Process:

  • Check your insurance coverage
  • Get prescription from doctor if needed
  • Work with vendor/supplier
  • Appeal if denied
  • Connect with disability advocates if needed

International:

  • Rights and funding vary by country
  • Some countries have universal healthcare covering AT
  • Others minimal coverage
  • Research your country’s specific programs

Nonprofits and Grants

Section titled “Nonprofits and Grants”

Organizations funding AT:

  • National nonprofits (varies by disability)
  • Local disability organizations
  • Veterans organizations (for veterans)
  • Technology-specific nonprofits
  • Crowdfunding platforms (GoFundMe, etc.)

How to apply:

  • Research organizations supporting your disability
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Apply (may require need verification)
  • Be patient with process

Private Funding

Section titled “Private Funding”

Options:

  • Personal payment (if possible)
  • Payment plans through vendors
  • Loans
  • Assistance from family/friends
  • Workplace funding
  • Scholarships for AT

Affording expensive AT:

  • Start with free options
  • Upgrade when able
  • Used equipment (sometimes available)
  • Sharing equipment with others (if appropriate)
  • Advocating for funding policies

Mainstream Technology Accessibility

Section titled “Mainstream Technology Accessibility”

Accessibility Built-In

Section titled “Accessibility Built-In”

Modern operating systems:

  • Windows: Accessibility settings (narrator, magnifier, captions)
  • Mac: Accessibility (VoiceOver, zoom, captions)
  • iOS: Accessibility (VoiceOver, zoom, captions, hearing aid compatibility)
  • Android: Accessibility (TalkBack, magnification, captions)

All free; built into device

Accessible Websites and Apps

Section titled “Accessible Websites and Apps”

Features to look for:

  • Captions on videos
  • Transcripts available
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Screen reader compatible
  • Good color contrast
  • Readable fonts
  • Alternative text for images
  • Clear navigation and structure

Demanding accessibility:

  • Request captions from creators
  • Report inaccessible sites
  • Use accessibility feedback options
  • Support accessible platforms
  • Pay for accessible products when possible

Barriers and Solutions

Section titled “Barriers and Solutions”

Cost

Section titled “Cost”

Reality: AT often very expensive; disabled people often poor.

Solutions:

  • Use free options first
  • Insurance and grant funding
  • Nonprofits and crowdfunding
  • Used equipment
  • Open-source software (often free and powerful)
  • Advocate for affordable AT

Abandonment and Misfitting

Section titled “Abandonment and Misfitting”

Problem: AT that doesn’t work for you, or you can’t use.

Solutions:

  • Involve disabled person in selection
  • Trial periods before purchase
  • Good professional fitting
  • Peer advice and testing
  • Adjustment and practice time
  • Trying alternatives

Gatekeeping

Section titled “Gatekeeping”

Problem: Someone else controls whether you get AT (insurance company, doctor, parent, institution).

Solutions:

  • Know your rights (IDEA for students, ADA for employees, etc.)
  • Advocate for what you need
  • Peer support and disability organizations
  • Legal action if necessary
  • Seek professionals who respect your choice

Access to Repair and Support

Section titled “Access to Repair and Support”

Problem: Can’t repair or get support for AT.

Solutions:

  • Research vendor support before buying
  • Warranty and repair options
  • Community repair expertise
  • Open-source and DIY when possible
  • Finding supportive professionals

Getting Started

Section titled “Getting Started”

Step 1: Identify What’s Hard

Section titled “Step 1: Identify What’s Hard”

What activity would you do if it were easier?

Step 2: Explore Options

Section titled “Step 2: Explore Options”
  • Peer recommendations
  • Professional consultation
  • Trying things (libraries, demos, borrowed)
  • Research

Step 3: Try AT

Section titled “Step 3: Try AT”
  • Start with low-cost or free options
  • Accept that not everything will work
  • Allow adjustment and learning time
  • Modify and adapt as needed

Step 4: Integrate Into Life

Section titled “Step 4: Integrate Into Life”
  • Use AT regularly to see benefits
  • Build community with others using same AT
  • Adjust and improve over time
  • Advocate for continued access

Resources

Section titled “Resources”

Finding AT

Section titled “Finding AT”
  • AT Device Finder: www.atia.org (search by disability)
  • Disability organizations: Often have AT information
  • Peer communities: Facebook groups, Reddit, Discord
  • Vendors: Contact for demos and information
  • Schools and employers: May provide demos or trials

Funding AT

Section titled “Funding AT”
  • Insurance: Check your plan
  • Medicaid: www.medicaid.gov (varies by state)
  • Nonprofits: Search “[your disability] nonprofit AT funding”
  • Veterans: VA benefits for veterans
  • Grants: Search “[disability] grants AT”

Accessible Technology

Section titled “Accessible Technology”

Contribute to This Page

Section titled “Contribute to This Page”

We welcome contributions from:

  • Disabled people sharing AT experiences
  • AT professionals and vendors
  • DIY and low-cost AT solutions
  • Peer recommendations and reviews
  • Global and cultural perspectives on AT
  • Advocacy around AT access and funding

Suggest an edit or addition →

See Also

Section titled “See Also”

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