2. Assistive Technology
Each of us has limitations, but some more than others. The technology of today is a great
boon to all, but opens the world up to those faced with physical and mental disabilities.
3. What is Assistive Technology?
• Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used
to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Different disabilities require different assistive technologies.
Assistive technology includes products and services to help people who have difficulty speaking,
typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, etc.
For general information purposes, a definition can be found at Wikipedia. More specific
information can be found on websites such as ATiA Alliance partners.
4. Assistive Technology Fields
ATiA members are active in providing assistive technology in a variety of fields including:
Autism spectrum disorders
Blindness and low vision
Deafness and hard of hearing
Computer access
Communication disorders
Mobility impairment
Mounting systems
Learning disabilities
Cognitive disabilities
Web accessibility
Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC)
5. Assistive Technology Tools
• Assistive technology (AT) can be low tech like communication boards made of cardboard or
fuzzy felt.
• AT can be high tech such as special purpose computers.
• AT can be hardware such as prosthetics, attachment devices (mounting systems), and
positioning devices.
• AT can be computer software such as screen-readers or communication software.
• AT can be inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids.
• AT can be specialized curricular software.
• AT can be much more, including electronic devices, wheel chairs, walkers, braces, educational
software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze, and head trackers.
6. Assistive Technology Tools
A sound field system enhances the learning environment for
students by improving the sound environment in the
classroom. These systems are designed specifically for
speech sounds by enhancing speech understanding.
With a sound field system, all students hear the teacher and
other students equally. This benefits all students hear
improving their attentiveness, participation, comprehension
and concentration.
A typical sound field system typically consists of a receiver,
a wireless microphone for the teacher, a wireless
microphone for students and loudspeakers.
7. Assistive Technology Tools
Word prediction programs are designed
students with reading and writing
difficulties.
Programs display words based on the
frequency of use, grammatical
correctness, and most recently used
words.
With active word prediction, as the user
types each letter, the software predicts
words. The user continues to type letters
until the intended word is predicted. Users
have the ability to add words to the
custom dictionary based on their needs.
8. Assistive Technology Tools
Screen readers are software programs that provide
users who are blind or visually impaired the ability to
read text displayed on a computer screen with a speech
synthesizer.
They are ideal for those with low vision because
listening to speech seems to be productive than
struggling to read by straining to lean towards the
computer screen.
9. Assistive Technology Tools
HeadMouse Extreme is a replacement for the
standard computer mouse and enables users who
cannot use their hands. It works from the top of
the computer monitor, laptop computer, or
augmentative communication device, measuring
the user's head movements.
10. References
Assistive technology act. (2009, December). Retrieved October 29, 2013, from
http://nichcy.org/laws/ata
ATiA, (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2013, from
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859
