What is an assisstive technology?

Question

What is an assisstive technology?

Answer 1

Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. Although, Cook & Hussey (2001) report this term is usually not used for rehabilitative devices and for devices that able-bodied non-disabled people find useful. According to disability advocates, technology is often created without regard to people with disabilities, creating unnecessary barriers to hundreds of millions of people.

Answer 2

Assistive technology incorporates the use of assistive & adaptive devices to aid individuals with disabilities to be more independent.  Changing or modifying a work station for an individual with a physical disability to be able to work on their own is an example.  Another example includes computer technology, such as, speech recognition software that would enable a person who has limited or no use of their hands to work a computer.  One other more common example is the TDD or TTY which is a telecommunications device (keyboard that allows typed messages to be sent & received)  that allows people with deafness to communicate as a hearing person would on the telephone.  Hope this is helpful.  If you are looking for assistive technology for yourself or someone you know contact your local State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.