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Assistive Technology
A young child who cannot speak may use a communication device to express his or her needs in a preschool class. A young adult with vision impairment may use computer screen reading software program to continue employment. A junior high student with a physical disability may use the computer, instead of a paper and pencil, to complete math homework. Many people with varied disabilities use technology to enhance learning, work, and independence.
Technology for individuals with disabilities is also known as assistive technology, and it helps people with disabilities reach their full potential. Through increased independence and productivity, people with disabilities can be physically, socially, academically, recreationally, and vocationally integrated into the community.
Whether it is a common tool, a customized device, or a product system, technology can increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Technology helps people get and keep jobs, and it allows people to enjoy greater participation in the community. People with disabilities who use technology discover how much it enhances the overall quality of their life; they see new possibilities and experience more of what life has to offer.
See a list of assistive technology categories >>>
A formal, legal definition of assistive technology was first published in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (The Tech Act). This act was amended in 1994; in 1998, it was repealed and replaced with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 ("AT Act"). Throughout this history, the original definition of assistive technology remained consistent. This same definition was used in the Access Board's
Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, developed as required by 1998 amendments to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Source: Access IT
PACER Center's Simon Technology Center (STC) is dedicated to making the benefits of technology more accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Through a collaborated effort involving parents, professionals, and consumers, the STC can provide numerous services for your family, as well as resources and informative answers to your questions. Since 1987, the Simon Technology Center has helped many children and adults, with a variety of disabilities, use assistive technology to enhance learning, work and independence.
Articles 
Additional Resources
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AbleData
Their primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. -
AblePlay
AblePlay is an online resource that provides detailed reviews on the latest play products with authoritative ratings by disability categories. As a nonprofit dedicated to serving children with disabilities, we are offering this free, online resource to professionals and families of children with disabilities. -
Alliance for Technology Access
This is a network of community-based resource centers dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. A list of vendor members and links to their Web sites is included. -
Assistive Tech MN
The site offers information on assistive technology, a forum, and AT wants ads. They are dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have equal opportunities and choices. -
Closing the Gap
This site contains information about software, hardware and assistive technology options for children and young adults with disabilities. Their site contains articles from the CTG newsletter, questions and answers, a searchable product database and contact information for vendors. -
Family Center on Technology and Disability
The Family Center is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. The Family Center's resources include a searchable AT resource database, AT fact sheets, a monthly newsletter, family information guides, and online discussions. -
RESNA
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) is an interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies (AT). -
STAR Program
STAR was created by the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, and is a program of the Governor's Advisory Council on Technology for People with Disabilities. Currently funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. -
Tech Connections
A one-stop resource for information on assistive technology designed to accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace and in everyday life activities. -
Trace Research & Development Center
The Trace Research & Development Center is currently working on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities.
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