Assistive technology

Assistive technology (AT) is a term for special tools and devices that help people with disabilities and older adults live better lives. Many people with disabilities find it hard to do everyday tasks like eating, moving around, or getting dressed. Assistive technology can make these tasks easier and help people become more independent. For example, wheelchairs help people who cannot walk move around, and special eating tools help people who cannot feed themselves.

These tools are important because they let people do things they couldn’t do before, giving them more freedom and control over their lives. They can also help students in school, especially those who have trouble writing or using a keyboard. These students can use voice recognition software to help them complete their schoolwork.

Recently, a study from India suggested that policies for caring for older people should include ways to make assistive technology more affordable and accessible. This would help many people live more comfortable and independent lives.

Adaptive technology

Adaptive technology and assistive technology are different. Assistive technology helps people with disabilities do things that are hard for them. Adaptive technology is a special type of assistive technology made just for people with disabilities. It is usually electronic or helps with using information, and is mostly used by people who need it. So, adaptive technology is a smaller part of assistive technology.

Occupational therapy and assistive technology

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people do everyday things better. This includes taking care of themselves, managing their health, learning, working, playing, relaxing, and making friends.

OT practitioners (OTP) use assistive technologies (AT) to help people live more on their own. For example, voice-activated smart home devices can let someone turn lights on and off, change the temperature, use the oven, open blinds, and play music without moving. OTPs look at what a person can do well and help them find tools to reach their goals. They might use different ways to decide which tools are best, like the HAAT model, the I-HAAT model, the SETT Framework, or the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2). OTPs can also take special classes through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) to become experts in assistive technology.

Mobility impairments

Main article: Mobility aid

Wheelchairs

Main article: Wheelchair

Wheelchairs are special chairs that help people move around. They can be pushed by hand or have motors with controls like joysticks. Wheelchairs help people who find it hard to walk because of illness, injury, or disability.

Transfer devices

Main article: Patient lift

Transfer devices help people who can't move easily by themselves. These tools help move someone from a bed to a chair, a toilet, or other places. Common devices include special benches and lifts.

Walkers

Main article: Walker

Walkers are frames that help people keep their balance while walking. They are usually waist-high and can be adjusted for height. Some walkers have wheels and are called rollators.

Treadmills

Treadmills with special support help people practice walking when they have problems with their nerves or muscles. These are used by therapists to help improve walking skills.

Prosthesis

Main article: Prosthesis

A prosthesis is a device that replaces a part of the body that is missing or not working. These can be limbs or other body parts. Prostheses help people do things they couldn't do before.

Exoskeletons

A powered exoskeleton is a wearable machine that helps people lift heavy objects and move more easily. It supports the back, shoulders, and legs.

Adaptive seating and positioning

People who have trouble with balance or moving may need special chairs or stands to sit or stand safely. These devices help keep the body comfortable and supported.

For children

Children with disabilities may lose interest in their surroundings if they can't move or play easily. Assistive technology, like special communication tools and powered mobility devices, helps them play, learn, and interact with others. These tools support their growth and development.

Visual impairments

Main article: Blindness § Management

People with vision loss can live independently using many helpful tools. Examples include screen readers, screen magnifiers, Braille tools, video magnifiers, and voice recorders.

Screen readers

Main article: Screen reader

Screen readers are special programs that help people who can't see well by reading electronic information aloud using voice (text-to-speech) or Braille (refreshable braille displays). These programs work on computers and are found on many devices. Some well-known screen readers are Apple VoiceOver, Google TalkBack, and Microsoft Narrator.

Braille and braille technology

Main article: Braille

Braille is a way of writing using raised dots that people can feel with their fingers. Technology that uses Braille helps people who can't see read and write.

Braille translator

Main article: Braille translator

A Braille translator is a computer program that changes printed words into Braille or Braille into printed words. It can be an app on a computer, a website, a phone, or a special Braille device.

Braille embosser

Main article: Braille embosser

A Braille embosser is like a printer for Braille. Instead of printing ink, it creates the raised dots of Braille on paper. Some embossers can print both Braille and regular text.

Refreshable braille display

Main article: Refreshable braille display

A refreshable Braille display is a device that shows Braille characters using small pins that move up and down. People who can't use a regular computer screen can use it to read text in Braille.

Desktop video magnifier

Main article: Video magnifier

Desktop video magnifiers are devices that use a camera and screen to make printed materials look bigger for people with low vision. They connect to a monitor and let users change settings like size, focus, and contrast.

Screen magnification software

Main article: Screen magnifier

Screen magnification software makes everything on a computer screen look bigger. It helps people with low vision see texts and pictures more clearly by enlarging parts of the screen as the cursor moves.

Large-print and tactile keyboards

Large-print keyboards have big letters on the keys. Some also have special bumps to help users find the right keys by touch.

Navigation assistance

Assistive technology for navigation has grown a lot since 2000. New tools use GPS, sensors, and cameras to help people who are blind or have low vision know where they are and how to get to places.

Wearable technology

Main article: Wearable technology

Wearable technology includes smart devices worn on the body. New inventions are testing ways for people with vision loss to get visual information through devices they wear.

Some wearable devices for vision loss include: OrCam device, eSight and Brainport.

Personal emergency response systems

Main article: Telecare

Personal emergency response systems, also called Telecare in the UK, are tools that help people, especially older individuals, stay safe at home. These systems use sensors and alarms to watch for things like falls or extreme temperatures. If something unsafe happens, the system sends a message to a caregiver or help center so they can respond quickly. These alerts can be set to match each person’s specific needs, helping them stay safe and independent.

Accessibility software

Main article: Computer accessibility

Computer accessibility helps everyone use computers, even people with different abilities. This means making sure websites are easy for all users, following rules for web accessibility. Special tools can change things like speed or text size to fit what a person needs. This is useful in places like libraries or information stands where anyone can use the computer.

Hearing impairments

People who are deaf or have trouble hearing often need help to understand sounds. They use tools to see or feel information instead of just listening. Assistive technology can make sounds louder, give vibrations, or show visual signs. These tools help them know what is happening around them.

There are many devices for people with hearing impairments. Some make sounds louder, while others help focus on one sound and ignore noise around it. These tools are useful in schools, meetings, and big halls. There are also special phones that make voices louder and clearer for easier conversations.

Main article: Hearing aid

Main article: Assistive listening device

Main article: Telecommunications device for the deaf#Other devices for the deaf or hard of hearing

Augmentative and alternative communication

Main article: Augmentative and alternative communication

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) helps people who find it hard to speak or understand speech and writing. AAC tools can be simple, like pictures on a board to ask for food or drinks. They can also be advanced, like special machines that can speak and store many words and phrases for the user to choose from.

Cognitive impairments

Main article: Cognitive orthotics

Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) uses tools to help with thinking skills. These skills include paying attention, remembering, planning, and managing feelings. Many tools are made to help with remembering and planning.

For example, NeuroPage reminds users about meetings. Wakamaru keeps users company, reminds them to take medicine, and can call for help if needed.

Memory aids help people remember information. A Smartpen records handwritten notes and can read them back. Digital voice recorders record information as it happens to help people remember.

Educational software helps with reading, learning, and organizing. It includes tools that read text aloud, enlarge text, and predict words.

Eating impairments

Main article: Assistive eating devices

Eating tools like spoons and forks can be changed to help people who have trouble using regular ones. These changes might make the handle bigger so it’s easier to hold, or add a guard to plates to keep food from falling off. There are also special machines that can feed a person, which are useful for those who cannot use their hands and arms well. These tools help people eat on their own.

In sports

Assistive technology in sports helps people with disabilities join in activities they enjoy. These tools can change games so everyone can play, or create new sports for athletes with disabilities.

More people with disabilities are taking part in sports, so inventors keep making new helper devices. Some tools are simple, like special gloves, while others are advanced, such as special wheelchairs or bikes. These tools are used everywhere—from local games to big events like the Paralympic Games. As technology gets better, sports for people with disabilities are more about competing and having fun, instead of just therapy.

In education

In the United States, two laws help students with disabilities use assistive technology in school. These are Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA helps create learning materials that students can use.

Assistive technology can be simple tools or high-tech devices. Simple tools might include special grips for writing or colored overlays for reading. Mid-tech tools include spelling dictionaries and small word processors. High-tech tools involve tablets and computers with special software. This software can help with writing, reading, and math by providing spoken feedback and easy-to-use tools. These tools help all students learn in new ways.

Computer accessibility

Main article: Computer accessibility

Assistive technology helps people with disabilities use computers more easily. It can change how keyboards work, like using the Dvorak layout. This arranges keys in a more comfortable way. Special tools let people with disabilities use touch screens on devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

For example, the Pererro adapter works with iOS devices and uses the built-in Apple VoiceOver feature. This helps people who cannot use touch screens normally.

There are many types of switches that people can use based on their needs. These switches can be placed on the hands, head, or feet, and some even use eye movements or head turns to control the device. This makes it easier for everyone to use computers and other devices.

Home automation

Home automation can help older people and those with disabilities live on their own. This special type of home automation, called assistive domotics, uses the same technology as regular home automation but is made to help people who need extra support. For example, it can send reminders with motion sensors and audio messages. A reminder in the kitchen might tell someone to turn off the oven, and one by the front door could remind them to lock it. This helps people stay safe and comfortable in their homes.

Main article: assistive domotics

Assistive technology and innovation

Innovation helps make assistive technology better with improved devices or new products.

The WIPO 2021 report sorts assistive products into two groups: conventional and emerging technologies. Conventional technology makes existing devices better, while emerging technology uses advanced tools like artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, and new sensors. These newer devices are often smarter, more connected, and may include parts that are part of the user's body.

For example, conventional self-care tools might include adaptive clothing or eating aids, while emerging tools might have health monitoring, smart diapers, or feeding robots. Although the difference between the two can sometimes overlap, emerging technologies are usually more advanced and interactive.

In the past, the top places for filing patents in assistive technology were the U.S and Japan, but now China and the Republic of Korea are leading. Patents show where people are putting money into new inventions. Some of the emerging technologies closest to being used include better hearing aids, smart home devices, and advanced wheelchairs.

Impacts

Assistive technology helps people with disabilities take part more fully in life at home, school, and in their community. It gives them more chances to learn, make friends, and find jobs. This technology helps people be more independent and in control of their lives.

When children with disabilities use assistive technology, they get better at thinking, talking, reading, moving, and getting ready for school. It also makes life easier for the people who take care of them, saving time and making their work less tiring. Some computer programs can help choose the right assistive device for someone who needs it.

Stigma and barriers

People who use assistive technology might feel shy or worried about what others think, especially at school. Some devices can be tricky to use or don’t always work perfectly, which can make it harder for people to use them. Devices that look more modern and less like medical tools are often easier for people to accept.

Stigma and barriers can also come from cultural beliefs and stereotypes about people with disabilities. Some cultures have ideas about why someone might have a disability, which can make it harder for them to use assistive technology. Age can also be a barrier, with older adults sometimes facing stereotypes that stop them from using helpful devices. Differences between men and women can also affect how well assistive technology works for them, with women sometimes facing extra challenges.

History

In 1988, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and NIDRR gave Gaulladet University money to create a special robotic hand. This hand was meant to help people who are both deaf and blind. The university made and tested the robotic hand, but it was never sold. The idea is still important for new research.

Since then, many more research projects have been funded. NIDRR has been helping make robots to assist people with disabilities with everyday tasks. They are also working on robots to help with therapy, hoping this will help people stay independent longer. If these robots work well, they might help older people live at home longer, saving money for society. With fewer caregivers available, these robots could be very helpful.

World Health Organization Initiatives

The World Health Organization made a tool called rATA. It helps see how well people can get assistive technology around the world. This helps leaders make good choices.

In 2014, the World Health Organization started GATE. It works to improve access to assistive technology everywhere. The WHO-GATE 5P framework has five parts: People, Policy, Products, Provision, and Personnel. "People" means those who need help, "Policy" is about rules, "Product" is the technology, "Provision" makes sure it is available, and "Personnel" are the helpers who support it.