Assistive

Assistive is an adjective used in health, education, and social care to describe tools, technologies, services, and environments that help individuals perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult or impossible due to disability, aging, or temporary impairment. The term is most commonly encountered in phrases such as assistive technology, assistive devices, and assistive services, and it covers a broad range of products and practices designed to enhance independence and participation in daily life.

Assistive devices and technologies span multiple domains. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers support movement; sensory aids like hearing aids and screen readers assist perception; communication aids including augmentative and alternative communication devices facilitate expression. Computer access tools such as eye-tracking systems and alternative input devices enable digital participation, while prosthetics, orthotics, adaptive utensils, and adaptive clothing support daily activities. Assistive software and apps provide accessibility features such as text-to-speech, speech recognition, magnification, and captioning.

The purpose of assistive solutions is to reduce functional limitations, promote safety, and enable participation in education, employment, and social life. Effective use relies on user-centered design, appropriate assessment, training, maintenance, and ongoing support. Access to devices and services is influenced by cost, cultural fit, and service delivery models, which can affect adoption and sustained use.

Standards and policy frameworks situate assistive technology within broader health and disability discourse. ISO 9999 classifies assistive devices; international bodies, including the World Health Organization, promote assistive technology within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Efforts continue to improve availability, affordability, and awareness to support diverse needs.