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Web Posted on: January 7, 1999

Overview of Assistive Technology

Bud Rizer, Ed.D.
Director, T.K. Martin Center

Janie Cirlot-New, MS, CCC/SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist

Jill Ethridge, BS, OTR
Adaptive Computer Specialist

The annual CSUN Conference on Technology and Disability affords the assistive technology novice an excellent opportunity to learn a great deal in an abbreviated period of time. The problem experienced by most individuals entering the world of technology and disability is making sense of the large amount of available information and finding orderliness in the oftentimes-conflicting information. An appreciation for assistive technology applications requires equal part understanding of disability and technology. Assistive technology is represents both process and product. In an effort to transition the newcomer into a successful introduction to assistive technology, several of the major areas are covered in this course. In addition to the background information provided during the course time, participants will be provided with specific information regarding appropriate sessions and exhibitors to visit during the course of the conference to learn more about different types of products and applications. The following topics are important to the full understanding of assistive technology applications for persons with disabilities.

Definition of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology has numerous definitions, depending upon the population, the desired outcome, the type of technology used, and the credentials of the professional involved. The Technology Related Assistance for Persons With Disabilities Act of 1988 defines Assistive Technology as:

  • Any piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially of the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individual with disabilities.

This identical definition has been adopted for other pieces of legislation, including the Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This definition is generous in its language in that it opens many possibilities for what assistive technology can be. The definition does not imply that assistive technology must include computers, or that it must be expensive, or that certain medical professionals can only prescribe it. This definition permits assistive technology to only be restricted by our own creativity and imagination.

Range and Scope of assistive Technology

Because assistive technology applications are intended to decrease the functional limitations of a person with a disability, potential applications can include some of the following categories:

  • Adaptive Toys: This includes the use of commercially available battery operated toys to allow infants and toddlers to experience control over their environment despite severe physical restrictions or motor control deficits.
  • Switches: Single and potentially multiple switch access methods can allow the person with even the most severe disability to achieve control over many different aspects of their environment, including play, communication, education, environmental control, mobility, and perhaps employment.
  • Environmental Controls: Devices and technologies designed specifically to allow a person to experience better control of their environment can increase one's independence and ability to perform routine tasks.
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC includes any technology application that results in the improvement of a person's communication with individual, in groups and even by way of telephone. AAC involves maximizing of specific language concepts and strategies to enable the non-verbal person to more actively interact with their environment.
  • Sensory Disabilities: Many forms of assistive technology can enhance our sensory interactions by modifying the means by which information is received to accommodate our sensory limitation, or by re-routing the information to a form where other senses can be involved. The quickness and efficiency by which various technologies can be used in this regard result in very effective accommodations.
  • Alternative Learning Strategies: Somewhat similar to sensory disabilities, alternative learning strategies can be developed for individuals with specific learning deficits. By capitalizing on the strengths of the individual, computer based adaptive learning hardware and software can enhance the overall learning experience.
  • Adaptive Computer Access: Computers can be adapted through a variety of methods to enable alternative input control or output required by the person with a disability. These adaptations may be in the form of additional hardware, software, or a combination of the two. Most computer operating systems today allow for customization of the computer control process to accommodate nearly any special needs of the individual wi1h a disability.

Resources for Assistive Technology

Numerous sources of information are available for the assistive technology novice as well as the seasoned professional. This information falls into several primary categories, summarized below:

  • Conferences: Assistive technology conferences offer the most intense, focused, and occasionally overwhelming exposures to assistive technology. Conferences provide an opportunity to hear from experts in many of the specialties involved in assistive technology, and an opportunity to see first hand the many products and services available from many of the product developers and vendors involved in the assistive technology field.

Legislation/Policy Resources: Assistive technology has been greatly influenced by legislation. The Technology Related Assistance for Persons With Disabilities Act of 1988 and the new Assistive Technology Act of l998 as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) all provide references and establish mandates for the advancement and support or assistive technology programs in many existing public service areas, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, and Early Intervention.

Web Based Resources: The same computer technology used to address the functional limitations of a person with a disability can be used to gain more information about the available technology to achieve this goal. Many manufacturers, service providers, training facilities and other now post updated information on their respective Web Sites.

State Tech-Act Programs: Every state now operates a statewide assistive technology program through funding provided by the Tech Act of 1988. The purpose of these programs is to educate service providers and recipients of services regarding the potential of assistive technology applications and to seek systems change to assure that individuals in need of such services and devices have a means of acquiring the needed services.

Making Sense Out of so Much Technical Information:

Learning the differences between various products, approaches to specific problems, or strategies is dependent upon a foundation of basic knowledge regarding some of the factors that many forms of assistive technology share. A summary of different types of information required to better understanding computer related assistive technology applications include the following;

  • Compatibility and computer platform
  • Operating system and environment requirements
  • Programmable features
  • Programmability by the user
  • Multiple users able to customize for individual needs
  • Adjustable response and actions
  • Methods of selection
  • Ability to transmit information
  • Ability so receive information
  • Method of interfacing with the computer
  • Additional required equipment
  • Degree of transparency to the computer system
  • Portability
  • Upgradable
  • Flexibility
  • Expandability
  • Type and extend of feedback provided
  • Value as an evaluation tool
  • Cognitive load required of the user
  • Degree of training required
  • Cost/value

By understanding the basic goals of assistive technology, the resources available, the mandates of federal and state laws, and the elementary aspects of the technologies themselves, the novice to assistive technology can quickly transition to become an effective user or promoter of these concepts and strategies. Organization of basic information is crucial to interpreting new products and distinguishing products from one another Potential application of assistive technology is greatly enhanced through a strong foundation of knowledge coupled with creativity and problem-solving strategies.

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