What is Assistive Technology?

1. Presentation Objectives
 What is Assistive Technology(AT)
 Benefits of AT
 Quality of Life and AT
 Adaptive Computing
 Choosing AT

2. What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
 Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that enables a
person to maintain or improve function. (Helpful tools
for Senior Citizens; Assistive Technology Resource
Centers of Hawaii; 2000; page 8.)

3. Simple Examples of AT
 A magnifying glass
 A straw
 Anti-glare screen for the monitor
 Door handles instead of door knobs
 Calculators/clocks with extra large digits

4. More Complex Examples
 Dragon NaturallySpeaking (software)
 JAWs (screen reader software)
 ZoomText (screen magnifier software)
 Talking clock
 AlphaSmart portable note taker

5. Benefits of AT
Maintains or improves daily function
Reduces stress-related injuries
Eases integration into society (levels
the “playing field”)
Modifies the environment instead of
the person

6. Assistive Technology improves the
quality of life
AT enables a person to function at his
or her own pace.
AT fosters independent living.
AT levels the “playing field” so all can
participate.

7. Adaptive Computing
 Adaptive computing is changing the computer via
software or hardware to make it more accessible to
persons with a disability.

8. Categories of Adaptive Computing
Hardware
 Ergonomic keyboards
 Trackball mouse
 Large screen monitors
 Head operated mouse
 Video Magnifier (CCTV)
Software
 Speech-to-text software
(Dragon
NaturallySpeaking)
 Screen reader software
(JAWs)
 Screen enlarging software
(ZoomText)

9. Choosing AT
 After an initial trial period, if the person says they
don’t like the AT or says it ‘doesn’t work,’ then find
other AT to try.
 A good AT match is an interactive process.

10. Choosing AT
 Match the person with the AT. Personal likes and
dislikes are important in AT.
 Keep in mind the cost of the AT. AT ranges in price
from inexpensive to very expensive.