AssistiveTechnology

Assistive technology refers to devices, services, and strategies that enable people with disabilities, or age-related impairments, to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It ranges from simple low-tech aids to sophisticated high-tech systems and can augment, maintain, or improve functional capabilities. Assistive technology includes hardware, software, and activities such as rehabilitation, training, and environmental modifications. The field also encompasses accessibility solutions that enable broader participation in education, employment, and social life.

Common categories include mobility aids (manual and powered wheelchairs, gait-assist devices), communication supports (augmentative and alternative communication devices, speech-generating devices), visual aids (screen readers, refreshable braille displays, magnification tools), hearing devices (hearing aids, cochlear implants), and cognitive supports (reminders, memory aids, task organizers). In daily living, adaptive equipment, home automation, and adapted computers enable independence. In education and workplaces, assistive technology is used for reading and writing, note-taking, navigation, and remote collaboration, often through compatible software, hardware, and accommodations.

Design and policy considerations emphasize user-centered development, interoperability with mainstream systems, and universal design principles. Standards and guidelines promote accessibility, including assistive technology compatibility with digital content and devices. Barriers to adoption include cost, lack of awareness, training needs, and limited availability. Ongoing research explores AI-powered personalization, predictive interfaces, and wearable sensors to reduce barriers and support participation across life domains.