Assistive Technology (AT) – TAP07

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

• AT can be low-tech: communication boards made ofcardboard or fuzzy felt.
• AT can be high-tech: special-purpose computers.
• AT can be hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems, and positioning devices.
• AT can be computer hardware: special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices.
• AT can be computer software: screen readers and communication programs.
• AT can be inclusive or specialised learning materials and curriculum aids.
• AT can be specialised curricular software.
• AT can be much more—electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and head trackers, and much more
• Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies.

For more information on Assistive Technology please get in contact with our Tech Assistance Project on 020 8925 2435.