Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology is defined as any type of technology that can help an individual with a disability participate in the activities of every day life. Technology does not just have to mean computer systems, it can be as low tech as a pencil grip, or as high tech as voice recognition software. Assistive Technology is essential for individuals with any type of disability to maneuver successfully through the day, whether it helps them get to work, perform in school, or participate in recreational activities with friends. Many think that assistive technology is simply for those who are nonverbal, or confined to a wheelchair, and it is true that assistive technology such as wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices help those who have severe physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities foster a sense of independence. However, it is important to realize that assistive technology is essential to the well being of our loved ones, whether that is a student who needs a sensory cushion on their chair to stay focused, or an elderly individual who needs an alarm on their prescription bottle to remind them to take their medication. Assistive Technology opens so many doors, and enables individuals with disabilities to be in control of their own lives.
These two charts on the left show the process that parents, special education teachers, specialists, and general education teachers go through in order to determine if Assistive Technology should be a part of a child's IEP. The data on the right shows the demographic of users of AT, depending on age and disability, how many devices these individuals use, and whether these devices are high or low tech.
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Resources for AT Information
The Family Center on Technology and Disability- This site is a great resource for finding information on assistive technology, fact sheets on various types of AT and disabilities that individuals suffer from whose lives can be greatly improved by AT. This site also provides a glossary for key terms in the AT world, family guides to using and adapting to assistive technology devices in the home, and countless personal success stories and discussions on the topic.
Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities: Today's Realities and Tomorrow's Promises- This article explores the assistive technology that is available to the population today and looks ahead to the promise of future technology. It examines research conducted on many popular forms of assistive technology and weighs the pro's and con's of several types of AT devices.
ADA Checklist- The ADA checklist for achievable barrier removal is a resource for businesses and organizations who need to provide access and accommodation for those who have a disability that prevents them from safely entering, using, or navigating a space that is connected to said organization. This gives an inside look into AT and the responsibility the public is given to make sure everyone has the ability to access the same resources.
Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology- The Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) provides an extensive guide for teachers and other school employees on how to teach to, how to acquire, and how to access resources on assistive technology. This is a great resource for teachers who are new to AT.
Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities: Today's Realities and Tomorrow's Promises- This article explores the assistive technology that is available to the population today and looks ahead to the promise of future technology. It examines research conducted on many popular forms of assistive technology and weighs the pro's and con's of several types of AT devices.
ADA Checklist- The ADA checklist for achievable barrier removal is a resource for businesses and organizations who need to provide access and accommodation for those who have a disability that prevents them from safely entering, using, or navigating a space that is connected to said organization. This gives an inside look into AT and the responsibility the public is given to make sure everyone has the ability to access the same resources.
Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology- The Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) provides an extensive guide for teachers and other school employees on how to teach to, how to acquire, and how to access resources on assistive technology. This is a great resource for teachers who are new to AT.
Assistive Technology Research Articles
Assistive technology as an emerging policy and practice: Processes, challenges, and future directions- This research article examines a school system and several different case studies of students using AT. It explores the need for teacher training, assessment, direction and follow up.
Assistive technology use among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida- This research article goes in depth into the daily life and use of assistive technology by students and young adults living with spina bifida. This article gives the reader an opportunity to learn how crucial assistive technology is in the daily life of an individual with a disability.
Assistive technology funding in the United States- This discusses the important issue of funding for assistive technology. It is so important for individuals to have access to the AT that they need in order to live a "normal" life, and this article goes into individual eligibility, insurance coverage, and non-medical funding options.
Assistive technology use among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida- This research article goes in depth into the daily life and use of assistive technology by students and young adults living with spina bifida. This article gives the reader an opportunity to learn how crucial assistive technology is in the daily life of an individual with a disability.
Assistive technology funding in the United States- This discusses the important issue of funding for assistive technology. It is so important for individuals to have access to the AT that they need in order to live a "normal" life, and this article goes into individual eligibility, insurance coverage, and non-medical funding options.