Assistive technology (AT) encompasses a vast array of devices, equipment, software, and services designed to promote independence, participation, and improve functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those facing temporary or permanent limitations.
Key characteristics of AT:
- Wide range: AT includes low-tech tools like adapted cutlery or communication boards, alongside high-tech solutions like voice-activated software or robotic prosthetics.
- Functional focus: AT aims to address diverse needs across various domains, including communication, mobility, learning, daily living, vision, hearing, and cognition.
- Individualized approach: Effective AT solutions are tailored to the specific needs, abilities, and preferences of each user.
- Inclusivity and empowerment: AT empowers individuals to participate actively in education, work, and community life, promoting social inclusion and equality.
Examples of AT:
- Mobility: Wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, canes, grab bars, adaptive vehicles.
- Communication: Speech-generating devices, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) aids, screen readers, voice recognition software.
- Vision: Screen magnifiers, Braille displays, closed-captioning systems, guide dogs.
- Hearing: Hearing aids, assistive listening devices, amplified phones, captioning services.
- Learning: Text-to-speech software, specialized keyboards, mind mapping software, adapted learning materials.
- Daily living: Adaptive cutlery, grabber tools, bath benches, medication reminder systems.
Benefits of AT:
- Increased independence and participation: Enables individuals to perform daily tasks, communicate effectively, and engage in various activities independently.
- Improved quality of life: Enhances self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being by promoting accessibility and inclusion.
- Greater access to education and employment: Removes barriers to learning and working, fostering equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Reduced caregiver burden: Assists individuals with daily activities, potentially alleviating caregiving demands.
Considerations in AT use:
- Accessibility: Ensuring affordability and availability of AT devices and services remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world.
- Training and support: Individuals and their support systems may require training on how to effectively use and maintain AT solutions.
- Ethical considerations: AT choices should respect user autonomy, privacy, and dignity.
- Continuous innovation: The field of AT is constantly evolving, offering new possibilities and requiring ongoing adaptation.
Related terms: Adaptive technology, rehabilitative technology, disability aids, special needs devices, universal design.
Assistive technology (AT) is a term for assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and the elderly. Disabled people often have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs) independently, or even with assistance. ADLs are self-care activities that include toileting, mobility (ambulation), eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal device care. Assistive technology can ameliorate the effects of disabilities that limit the ability to perform ADLs. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. For example, wheelchairs provide independent mobility for those who cannot walk, while assistive eating devices can enable people who cannot feed themselves to do so. Due to assistive technology, disabled people have an opportunity of a more positive and easygoing lifestyle, with an increase in "social participation", "security and control", and a greater chance to "reduce institutional costs without significantly increasing household expenses." In schools, assistive technology can be critical in allowing students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum. Students who experience challenges writing or keyboarding, for example, can use voice recognition software instead. Assistive technologies assist people who are recovering from strokes and people who have sustained injuries that affect their daily tasks.
A recent study from India led by Dr Edmond Fernandes et al from Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health which was published in WHO SEARO Journal informed that geriatric care policies which address functional difficulties among older people will ought to be mainstreamed, resolve out-of-pocket spending for assistive technologies will need to look at government schemes for social protection.
