What Is Assistive Technology With Uses & Example?

Assistive technology tools and services help disabled users with tasks such as typing, drawing, and filling out forms.

• Assistive technology comes in dozens of forms and is designed to solve a specific need or general problem.
• Text-to-speech programs and prosthetics are two different forms of assistive technology.

Assistive technology is an important element in any new device. If your computer or phone is inaccessible, you are locking most of your user base.

Here’s everything you need to know about assistive techniques, including examples of assistive technology that you probably always use.

What is Assistive Technology in detail?

In particular, assistive technology is any technique that helps people with disabilities to perform difficult tasks.

Most people associate expression with devices such as hearing aids or wheelchairs, but assistive technology applies to many of the objects we use every day. For example, your phone’s speech-to-text feature is a form of assistive technology that helps users who can not easily type with their hands.

In the United States, the Technical Assistance Act 1988 (or Tech Act) for persons with disabilities defines what goods and services are considered assistive technology. By law, an assistive technology device is “any object, device, or product system that is commercially acquired, modified, or adapted to be used to enhance, maintain, or enhance the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.” Is. “

On the other hand, assistive technology service, according to tech law, is “any service that directly assists a person with a disability in selecting, purchasing or using auxiliary technology equipment.”

The Tech Act served as a model for the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, intended to help children with disabilities. The main difference in their definition of assistive technology is that IDEA does not include surgically fitted medical devices such as cochlear implants.

Millions of people use assistive technology in their daily lives - everything from standard wheelchairs to educational software for children with autism is considered assistive technology.

Uses of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is primarily designed for users with functional limitations or disabilities. However, many types of assistive techniques can be used by anyone. And depending on the device, assistive technologies can improve mobility, education, communication skills, and more.

Automatic door openers and accessible bathrooms are necessary changes in most public spaces. Schools use simple tools such as graphic managers to help children organize their ideas or homework. Provides a wide range of assistive technologies in the form of accessibility features for any modern smartphone, tablet, or computer user, which are usually managed through the device settings app.

In some cases, the user must identify or assign certain types of assistive technology. In this case, it must be approved by a physician, specialist educator, therapist, or any other specialist. This usually comes after a few tests to determine what kind of assistive technology is best for the situation.

Examples of assistive technology

Assistive technology is embedded in all types of devices. Here are some common examples of assistive technology.

Digital Recorder: This allows you to record and playback captured audio.

Speech Recognition: This allows a computer or mobile device to train and identify what the user is directing.

Text to speak: Email text can be read aloud when highlighted on a mobile device or computer.

Smart tablet: Provides a multi-sensory learning experience to support educational programs for children or adults.

Electric Wheelchair: A battery-powered wheelchair that is controlled using a joystick and has adjustable settings to suit the individual.

Keyboard options: Unique keyboards with enlarged or touchscreen-shaped keys.

Hearing Aids: Auxiliary hearing aids such as occasional hearing aids for the hearing impaired or hearing aids amplifiers.

Screen Magnifier: Change and magnify the screen to easily view text or images.

Prosthesis: Prosthetic implants are designed specifically to improve overall mobility and function in patients.

That’s all about assistive technology hope you find this piece of information useful. Don’t forget to share and leave comments. Thank You.

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