Assistive Technology

Assistive technology enables and promotes inclusion and participation, especially of persons with disabilities, aging populations, and people with non-communicable diseases. The primary purpose of assistive products is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being. They enable people to live healthy, productive, independent and dignified lives, and to participate in education, the labor market and civic life.

Assistive technology refers to any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

There are several types of Assistive Technology (AT):

• Low-tech:  Some examples of low-tech AT are graphic organizers, visual schedules and pencils grips. 
• Mid-tech: Screen magnifiers, audio books, and wheelchairs are considered mid-tech AT. 
• High-tech: High-tech AT devices consist of computers, speech to text and smart boards.
• Other examples of AT are electronic worksheets, phonetic spelling software, talking calculators, variable speed recorders and videotaped social skills.