Programs/Links
State Programs
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Other Resources
State Activities
Device Loan
Device ReUse
Device Demo
Financing
Loans for AT
AFP State Loans
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Credit
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or
product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2).
Who Uses Assistive Technology?
Individuals with disabilities use assistive technology to
accommodate limitations due to their disabilities.
For example:
•
Frances, born with cerebral palsy, uses a computer that "talks" to
present her acceptance speech for an award honoring her for her
outstanding performance on college entrance exams. (The computer is
assistive technology)
•
Fred uses a power wheelchair to go to work and rides on a lift
equipped bus. (The lift equipment on the bus and wheelchair are
assistive technology)
•
Susan, injured in a farming accident, continues to farm, with the
aid of prosthetic legs and a tractor that allow her to drive using
hand controls. (The prosthetic legs and driving equipment are
assistive technology)
•
Peggy, a preschooler who has paralysis in her legs, rides a tricycle
that she operates with her hands. (The tricycle with the adaptations
is assistive technology)
Other examples of assistive technology are:
•
Large screen computers for individuals with visual problems
•
Hearing aids and other amplification devices for individuals with
hearing loss
•
Devices that operate lamps, radios, and other appliances through a
remote control switching device, that might be attached to a
person's wheelchair
•
Toilets and showers equipped with grab bars for persons who may fall
easily or require supports
Who Benefits from Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology benefits everyone from individual users to
employers, teachers, family members, and other community members who
interact with users of AT. By increasing access, assistive
technology increases opportunities for participation-which benefits
us all.
Credit:
This section is indebted to information from the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive
Technology Society of North American (RESNA), especially for their April, 2005,
Survey of State AT Act Projects (The RESNA Technical Assistance Project, Grant #H224B020001,
funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department
of Education, under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998).
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