The Buzzword Brief:
What is Assistive Technology?
Lauren Lee | January 2, 2025 - Atlanta, GA
Assistive Technology (AT), in the simplest terms, is anything that helps a disabled person live their life the way they want to live it. Sometimes people refer to these things as ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living.
AT is sometimes very advanced, and sometimes it’s very low-tech. AT can look like the technology you might think of a disabled person using, like:
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids, like canes or walkers
- Text-to-speech technology (like Stephen Hawking)
- Hearing aids
- Real-Time Captioning
- Braille
- Screen readers to access books or the internet
Those pieces of technology are also called adaptive technology. They’re things that mostly disabled folks use, that non-disabled folks would rarely use.
AT can also look like things non-disabled people also use. Think of things like:
- Smart home devices, like smart thermostats or lightbulbs
- Tablets
- Weighted or heated blankets
- Ergonomic keyboards
- Easy-open containers
The amazing thing about AT is that technological advances not necessarily meant for disabled people can have benefits for disabled people. It is important, though, for people who create new things to keep the principles of Universal Design in mind.
AT goes beyond things in the physical world. It can include things like apps, software programs, and even some AI applications. Some examples include:
- An app that reminds those with memory issues to take their medicine
- Organizational apps for people with ADHD
- Accessibility software that helps those with low or no vision use the internet
- AI that summarizes complicated information for people with intellectual disabilities or those with processing difficulties
- GPS apps for people with low vision trying to navigate city streets
In other words, Assistive Technology is an umbrella term that includes many things and many aspects of everyday life.
If you live in the state of Georgia and want to learn more about how assistive technology can benefit you, check out Tools for Life, the AT lending program of Georgia.
