What is Assistive Technology?

Making Things Possible

Assistive Technology (AT) has been part of the human experience for thousands of years. In fact, did you know that the first use of a wheelchair dates back to 5th century China? And the first electric hearing aid was invented in 1898 by Miller Reese Hutchison?

AT is any device or piece of equipment that helps people with disabilities or older people lead more independent lives. It can be low tech like wrapping tape around a pencil or spoon to make it easier to grab and hold. AT can also be high tech. For example, speech to text technology that produces an artificial human voice.

While it has been around for quite some time, the US officially recognized and defined AT in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. These definitions were also adopted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

State AT Act programs, like IATP, use 10 categories to classify AT devices:

  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Speech
  • Learning, cognition and developmental
  • Mobility, seating and positioning
  • Daily living
  • Environmental adaptations
  • Vehicle modification and transportation
  • Computers and related peripherals
  • Recreation, sports and leisure.

Explore the different examples of AT in these categories through the Explore AT website.

Learn More About AT

Find out more about AT, the many different types of AT, and how it can be used to overcome barriers and increase independence: