Assistive can be something simplistic like using a duct tape to assist gripping, or can be highly sophisticated, generating speech using eye motion - something Dr. Stephen Hawking used to converse.

Assistive Technology has been a part of human beings for a long time now. In fact, the earliest use of wheelchairs can be traced back to China back in 5th Century. From eyeglass to a crutches, and wheelchairs, all these are parts of Assistive Technology essentially service people with different disabilities.

Assistive can be something simplistic like using a duct tape to assist gripping, or can be highly sophisticated, generating speech using eye motion - something Dr. Stephen Hawking used to converse.

Assistive technology may also be commercially available for end use, or customized for a specific use, or even simply modified a little to aid usage, type of sophistication and the technology used depends upon the type of impairment addressed.

As there exist different category of impairments, there are different categories of Assistive Technology that have been described below.

Vision

Assistive Technology for people who are blind or visually impaired, including those used for daily living activities, accessing computers, wayfinding, and other needs. For example:

• Talking devices such as a talking thermostat,
• Braille displays,
• Magnifiers,
• Phones with large tactile buttons.
• Text-to-speech systems using Optical Character Recognition (OCR),
• Large print materials, and
• Screen reading software,

Hearing

Assistive Technology for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, including those used for daily living activities, communication, and other needs. For example:

• Wireless TV listening systems,
• Vibrating alarm clocks,
• Personal amplification systems,
• Mobile devices with texting or specialized apps.
• Doorbell with flashing light alert,
• Portable closed captioning system,
• Amplified telephones,
• Phone with captioning, and
• Face-to-face dual keyboard communication system,

Speech Communication

Assistive Technology for people with speech disabilities who need assistance with speaking including face-to-face communication. For example:

• Fluency assistance devices,
• Artificial larynx,
• Voice amplification systems,
• Speech output software,
• Symbol-making software, and
• Speech generating devices.
• Communication boards,

Learning, Cognition, and Developmental

Assistive Technology for who need assistance with learning, attention, memory, and organization. For example:

• Text-to-speech systems to support learning (not related to vision needs),
• Reminder systems,
• Memory aids,
• Notetaking systems,
• Audio books.
• Mobile devices with specialized apps, and

Mobility, Seating, and Positioning

Assistive Technology for people who need mobility assistance. For example:

• Walkers,
• Power chairs as well as products designed to provide postural and pressure management.
• Canes,
• Wheelchairs,
• Crutches,
• Scooters, and

Daily Living

Assistive Technology for people with disabilities and the elderly with functional limitations. These products increase independence in performing activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, eating and other basic home/life activities including shopping and money management. For example:

• Long handle shoe horn,
• Reacher,
• Dressing aids such as zipper pulls and button hooks,
• Adapted kitchen tools and eating utensils,
• Walker carrying bag,
• Switch-adapted appliances.
• Book stand,
• Automatic soap dispenser,
• Wheelchair cup holder,
• Vacuum robot, and

Environmental Adaptations

Assistive Technology to increase access to homes, businesses, and other buildings by people with disabilities and include systems to open/lock doors, control lighting, temperature and other environmental needs. For example:

• Lifts,
• Ramps,
• Systems designed to remotely control appliances,
• Door openers,
• Other products using a switch, voice or other method of activation.
• Electronics, and

Vehicle Modification and Transportation

Assistive Technology that promote safe access to transportation and increase independence through vehicle adaptations. For example:

• Tie and lock downs for securing a wheelchair to the floor of the vehicle,
• Adaptive seat belts.
• Ramps,
• Hand controls,
• Lifts,
• Raised roofs, and

Computers and related peripherals

Assistive Technology that help people with disabilities access and use computers. For example:

• Alternative keyboards and input devices, and
• Specialized software such as screen magnification software for people with low vision,
• Voice recognition.

Recreation, Sports, and Leisure

Assistive Technology that help people with disabilities participate in sports, recreation, and leisure activities. For example:

• Playing card shuffler,
• Switch adapted toys,
• Adapted sporting equipment.
• Camera mounts, and