Overview
Assistive technology is any product, equipment, or system that helps a person function more easily and take part in daily life. It may be used at home, school, work, or in the community. Some items are low-tech and inexpensive, while others are specialized and require fitting, setup, or training.
Causes and Risk Factors
People may need assistive technology because of a lifelong disability, an injury, a health condition, or changes related to aging. Common reasons include reduced vision or hearing, difficulty walking, weakness, pain, problems with speech, or challenges with memory and learning. Barriers such as cost, poor access to services, stigma, or lack of training can make it harder to get and use these tools.
Who Is Affected
Assistive technology can benefit children, adults, and older people. It may help people with physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, neurological, or communication-related disabilities. Family members, caregivers, teachers, and employers may also be involved in choosing or supporting the use of these tools.
Prevention
Not all disability or functional change can be prevented, but some steps may lower the risk of needing added support later. These include injury prevention, workplace safety, management of long-term health conditions, hearing protection in loud environments, and regular vision and hearing checks. Early attention to changing needs can also prevent falls, isolation, and loss of independence.
Diagnosis and Tests
Assistive technology itself is not diagnosed, but a person's needs can be assessed by healthcare or rehabilitation professionals. This may include asking about daily activities, checking strength, movement, speech, hearing, vision, or thinking skills, and seeing how the person manages tasks in real life. A trial of different devices may be needed to find the right match.
Treatment Categories
Assistive technology may include mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs, sensory supports such as hearing aids or magnifiers, and communication tools such as text-to-speech or augmentative communication devices. It can also include home modifications, computer access tools, seating supports, and reminders for medication or appointments. Training, repair, and periodic review are important parts of successful use.
Living With It
Using assistive technology often takes practice, adjustment, and ongoing support. A device works best when it fits the person's goals, environment, culture, and daily routines. It can help improve participation and confidence, but regular follow-up is useful because needs, health, and technology can change over time.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical or rehabilitation advice if a person is having new trouble with walking, hearing, vision, speech, memory, self-care, school tasks, or work tasks. Also ask for help if a device causes pain, skin problems, poor posture, repeated falls, communication breakdowns, or stops meeting the person's needs. Professional input is also important before major equipment purchases or home changes.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
Ask what type of assistive technology may fit the person's goals and daily activities. Ask who can assess, fit, train, maintain, and repair the device, and whether follow-up visits are needed. It can also help to ask about accessibility at school or work, funding options, and what to do if needs change.