assistive technology
Tools enabling independence
Assistive technology refers to devices, software, or equipment designed to help people with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
This includes everything from wheelchairs and hearing aids to screen readers and voice recognition software.
The term encompasses both high-tech solutions like computerized communication devices and low-tech aids like grip-adapted utensils.
The school provided assistive technology so students with visual impairments could access digital textbooks.
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- hearing aidEar-worn sound amplifier
- prosthesisManufactured replacement body part
- braille displayTactile computer output device
- walkerAmbulatory person or aid
crutches · screen reader · communication board · eye tracker · white cane · stair lift · mobility scooter · voice amplifier
Creating spaces usable by all
- inclusive designApproach accommodating diverse abilities
- accessible designCreation usable by everyone
- barrier-freeWithout physical obstructions
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
adaptation · alt text · closed captions · audio description · sign language interpretation · curb cut · ramp · accessible format
Program converting text to audio
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- voice recognitionTechnology identifying spoken language
- speech synthesisArtificially producing vocal audio
- word predictionAnticipating typed text
captioning · JAWS · VoiceOver · live transcription · on-screen keyboard · speech-to-text
Restoring practical life abilities
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- fittingSuitable or proper
customization · evaluation · therapy goals · skill building · mobility training · orientation training
Independent decision-making capacity
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- dignityInnate personal worth
- mobilityCapacity for movement
self-care · enablement · self-determination · agency · freedom · independent living · self-sufficiency · life skills
wheelchair
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- hearing aidEar-worn sound amplifier
- prosthesisManufactured replacement body part
- braille displayTactile computer output device
walker · crutches · screen reader · communication board · eye tracker · white cane · stair lift · mobility scooter · voice amplifier · page turner
universal design
Creating spaces usable by all
- inclusive designApproach accommodating diverse abilities
- accessible designCreation usable by everyone
- barrier-freeWithout physical obstructions
accommodation · adaptation · alt text · closed captions · audio description · sign language interpretation · curb cut · ramp · accessible format · web accessibility
screen reader
Program converting text to audio
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- voice recognitionTechnology identifying spoken language
- speech synthesisArtificially producing vocal audio
word prediction · captioning · JAWS · VoiceOver · live transcription · on-screen keyboard · speech-to-text
occupational therapy
Restoring practical life abilities
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
fitting · customization · evaluation · therapy goals · skill building · mobility training · orientation training
autonomy
Independent decision-making capacity
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- dignityInnate personal worth
mobility · self-care · enablement · self-determination · agency · freedom · independent living · self-sufficiency · life skills · personal autonomy
- accessibilitywheelchair access, wheelchair sports, wheelchair ramp, adaptive skiing, accessibility features
- rehabilitationrehab, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, inpatient rehab
- disability supportwheelchair, walker, crutches, braces, hearing aid
- Education ServicesIEP, teacher training, 504 plan, school improvement, accommodations
- support servicestherapy, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, coaching
- disabilitydisability rights, disability culture, disability activism, disability services, disability identity
assistive technologybarrier
Obstruction preventing passage
obstacle · weapon · impediment · hindrance · hostile architecture
assistive technologycure
Treatment that heals
corrective surgery · surgical correction · gene therapy · remediation · medical treatment
assist, assistant, assistance, technical, technology, assisting, techie, technologies, technological