Assistive Technology (AT) includes a wide range of technology
products that are used to support persons with disabilities as they
work, learn, play and live in their communities. Some examples of AT
include: crutches, wheelchairs, ramps, hearing aids, Braille printers,
adaptive software, communication devices, just to mention a few.
We have grouped all AT – whether high-tech or basic – into 17
categories. Under each category, we also provide some examples. Below is
a list of the 17 categories with some examples of AT:
AT categories |
AT category
descriptions &
examples |
What do these types of AT do? |
1. Clocks, Alarms, Memory |
Includes devices for measuring, displaying,
and speaking the time as well as calendar software, memory
support products such as medication reminders, digital/paper
memo pads, and personal emergency alarms, such as fall
detectors, insulin- and seizure alarms. Also include devices
that transforms signals such as telephone, doorbell etc. to an
acoustic or mechanical output. |
Enhances safety, alerts the user of
incoming signals, allows persons with visual impairments to tell
/measure time. Supports people with memory and planning
activities. |
2. Communication |
Includes both electronic and non-electronic
systems for facilitating communication such as letter, picture,
and symbol boards and alternative and augmentative communication
devices (AAC). Also includes audio and visual devices such as
recording devices, Daisy players, closed captioning displays and
FM systems. Includes all assistive products for telephoning and
telematic messaging, such as all kinds of telephones and mobile
phones, answering machines, intercoms and entry hones, as well
as video communication devices. |
Facilitates and enhances face to face and
long-distance communication. |
3. Eating and Drinking |
For eating and drinking includes special
plates, bowls, utensils, cups, guards, and other devices to
support eating and drinking. |
Helps people to eat and drink
independently, as well as prepare food and drink. |
4. Environmental Modifications |
Includes changes to the environment that
improve access and provide support while walking, standing,
getting up and changing position such as ramps, stair lifts,
handrails and grab bars. |
Provides access to the built environment
and provides support while walking, standing, getting up or
changing position. |
5. Eye and Skin Protection |
Includes eye protection such as sun glasses
and substances that protect the skin such as sun screen. |
Protects fair skin and eyes, particularly
for people with albinism. |
6. Hearing |
Includes products for enhancing hearing and
amplifying sound such as hearing aids and amplifiers. |
Increases the volume of speech and other
sounds to enhance hearing. |
7. Mobile and Computer Devices |
Includes portable computers, personal
digital assistants and smart phones andtablets. Also includes
hardware devices and software for computer input (such as
adapted and Braille keyboards, adapted mouse and mouse software,
scanners, speech recognition) and computer output (such as
screen magnifiers, large print/tactile-graphic displays, glare
reduction screen, braille printers and displays, speech
synthesizers, and text-to-speech software). Also includes and
video communication devices. |
Input devices support independent use of
computers. Output devices enhance various functions through the
use of computer devices. |
8. Orientation and Navigation |
Includes devices for orientation such as
white canes, devices with electronic, acoustic, visual and
tactile information, and for navigation such as global
positioning systems (GPS), tactile maps, etc. |
Helps people identify their surroundings
and find their way through an environment or to a new
destination. |
9. Personal Mobility |
Includes the full range of mobility systems
such as canes, crutches, walkers, cycles, manual and powered
wheelchairs, prams and buggies, and accessories for these
devices (tips, grips, wheels). Also includes systems for
supported transfer such as transfer boards, lifting belts, and
turn tables. |
Provides and enhances mobility for
individuals. |
10. Pressure Care |
Includes products to prevent pressure sores
and ulcers such as pressure relief cushions and mattresses.
Note: Wheelchair cushions for positioning is under
Standing, lying and posture devices. |
Reduces the risk of getting pressure sores. |
11. Prostheses and Orthoses |
Includes orthotic devices such as splints
and braces for the body, limbs and joints, as well as
therapeutic footwear. Includes systems for replacing lost limbs
such as upper and lower limb prostheses, as well as prostheses
of other body parts. |
Orthotics improve function, and support and
enhance stability and alignment of joints. Prosthetics replaces
the function of lost limbs. |
12. Reaching, Grasping and Positioning |
Includes devices for reaching, grasping and
holding objects such as reachers, switches, levers, cranks, grip
adapters, mounting systems, suction cups. Includes devices which
assist to open containers, bottles and cans and to extract the
contents of a tube. |
Helps people to reach and hold items, as
well as to open containers and extract contents. |
13. Reproduction and Sexuality |
Includes products that support sexual
activity such as vacuum systems, vibrators, and massage devices. |
Helps people to engage in sexual and
reproductive activities. |
14. Standing, Lying and sitting Posture
support |
Includes devices to support standing (such
as standing frames, lying (such as lying/sleeping supports, bed
rails, height- and posture adjustable beds, mattresses
(excluding pressure care mattresses) and special bedding), and
sitting (such as custom seats, floor seats, posture support
devices for wheelchairs, including trunk, head, pelvis, leg, arm
and foot supports). Also includes lap trays and seat/wheelchair
cushions for positioning (excluding pressure care cushions). |
Support people to be safely and comfortably
positioned in standing, lying and sitting postures. |
15. Toileting and Bathing |
Includes devices for personal care such as
raised toilet seats, bed pans, ostomy care, catheters, diapers,
bath seats, and shower chairs. |
Helps to support bathing, toileting and
continence management. |
16. Vision |
Includes devices to improve sight such as
spectacles, contact lenses, and magnifiers. |
Augments or magnifies vision.
Note: Does not include computer systems. |
17. Writing, Reading and Braille |
Includes devices that support reading and
writing (in text or Braille) such as audio materials, large
print materials, tactile reading, page turners, signature
guides, Braille writing equipment and type writers, and word
processors, including writing and Braille software. |
Devices which help people to read and
write. |