What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology can be any item, piece of equipment or system that helps work around or compensate for a disability, whether it is a learning disability or a physical disability.

Assistive technology can be any system of tools and strategies that match a person’s needs, abilities, and tasks. These various tools and strategies can help a person accomplish tasks that would be difficult or impossible to complete.

Most adaptive technology is divided into one of two categories: either low or high technology solutions. High tech assistive technology usually involves computerized equipment like a computer, either software or hardware. It can also be a piece of equipment that works on its own or can connect to a computer.

The definition of assistive technology is flexible and can open many possibilities for what assistive technology can be. It does not have to involve computers, or be expensive. The ‘definition’ of assistive technology is only restricted by our own creativity and imagination. (1)

There are many technologies available that can help an individual cope with their disability. It is important to first understand the person’s disability by doing assessments or through a diagnosis. After you have this, you will be able to select the most effective assistive technology. Technology will only help an individual if the tool matches the individual's need.

The assistive technology products on the following pages cover mostly high technology aids. This list of products is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather to provide you with information on products commonly available.

1 Adapted from Assistive Technology, Tips and Trick for Students with Learning Disabilities.