What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technologies are devices, software, and services that are used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals in their daily living with a specific focus on students with disabilities to help improve their access to school, curriculum, and community. Historically, assistive technologies has always been extended to children with disibilities and handicaps, however many people use AT devices to help improve daily functioning. Rehabilitative services rely use AT devices to increase movement for patients who might have gotten into a car accident. Elderly people living in an assistive living program might be given a reach device to aid them in grasping, grabing, and lifting objects. A person might be prescribed a shower grab bar to help them stay balanced while taking a shower. In summery, assistive technologies can be used to help increase, maintain, and improve functional capabilities of individuals in their living; including but not limited to children with disibilites.

In a nutshell Assistive Technology is equipment for people with disabilities.

For example:

• Powered wheelchairs;
• Communication Aids (think Stephen Hawking);
• Environmental Control (e.g. opening your door, Telecare, controlling your TV)
• Computer Access (e.g. screen readers).

It is normally used for ‘techy’ equipment (such as that listed above) but some people argue it includes everything up to and including walking sticks.

There are some definitions of Assistive Technology around:

• "Assistive Technology (AT) is any product or service designed to enable independence for disabled and older people." (King’s Fund Consultation, 14th March 2001)
• "Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them..." (Wikipedia)
• An umbrella term for any device or system that allows individuals to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed. (World Health Organisation, “A Glossary Of Terms For Community Health Care And Services For Older Persons”, 2004 )

There might also be a definition in the ISO9999 - Technical aids for persons with disabilities - Classification and terminology. (?).

That said, I don’t know of a GOOD site that gives simple and effective examples of the different aspects of Assitive Technology. If you know of some put them here, or on the Assistive Technology Information or atresources pages.

• “any product, instrument, equipment or technical system used by a disabled person, especially produced or generally available, preventing, compensation, relieving or neutralising the impairment, disability or handicapped.” ISO 9999: 1998

http://www.ictsb.org/design_for_all.htm (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “Assistive Technology is any product or technology-based service that enables disabled or elderly people in their daily lives, education, work or leisure.” EASTIN project

www.eastin.info/repository/publicdocs/en_Eastin_Public_Report.pdf (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “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.” Section Three of the Assistive Technology Act, USA.

www.icdr.us/documents/at_compendium.pdf (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “Technology which can help compensate for functional limitation, facilitate independent living and which can enable disabled and older people to realise their potential.” (TIDE, Bridge phase, synopses, 1994)

http://tinyurl.com/yntcjx (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “Assistive Technology: is an umbrella term for any device or system that allows an individual to perform a task they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which the task can be performed.” The Role of Assistive Technology in Alternative Models of Care for Older People by Dr. Donna Cowan and Dr. Alan Turner-Smith

www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm41/4192/v2ap4.pdf (Accessed 09/04/07)

• Assistive technology is the use of any device that will enable persons with disabilities to function to their maximum potential educationally, vocationally, socially and in daily living activities. This includes both low and high technology applications. Low or “lite” technology refers to any apparatus that is either non-electronically-based or simple battery operated items (e.g., toys, tape recorders). High technology involves the use of sophisticated systems that are electronically-based (e.g., power wheelchairs and environmental control systems). How to Keep Abreast of Technology. Bristow & Pickering, 1992

www.htctu.fhda.edu/trainings/manuals/contributions/claudia/Generic_June2000.pdf (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “Assistive Technology (AT) is any type of equipment that helps people with disabilities or older individuals be more independent at home, school, work, leisure time, or in community life.” (North Carolina Assistive Technology Project

http://www.ncatp.org/ (Accessed 09/04/07)

• “Assistive Technology (AT) includes both devices and services. A device is any item or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability.” Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

http://watap.org/ (Accessed 09/04/07)

— Simon Judge 2006/01/16