One in five Americans, or approximately 54 million people report having some level of disability. Assistive technology can enable people with disabilities to have greater control over their lives, to participate in and participate more fully in activities related to home, school, work, and community. Rapid advancements in technology continue to provide important new tools to assist individuals with disabilities. Substantial progress has been made in both the development of new assistive technology devices and in the transfer and adaptation of existing technologies for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. These tools can assist individuals across their life span.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology includes devices and services that help people in their daily lives. Examples are:
· electronic devices that make it possible to talk without using one’s voice
· computers that can be used without touching the keyboard
· cars and vans that are modified, making it possible for people with disabilities to drive
· remote control devices that turn appliances, television, radio, and lamps, on and off
· devices that help people with vision limitations such as magnifiers, talking books, closed circuit television, Braille note taking computers
· mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches
· devices that help people with hearing limitations such as hearing aids, FM systems and other assistive listening devices.
Assistive technology services include assistance with learning what devices are available and where to access services, determining what devices can help you, paying for devices, and how and where to get devices repaired.
· Increased numbers of AT products available today than 10-15 year ago
· Accessibility of electronic and information technologies being addressed but still an issue
· Movement toward universal design of products, systems and the environment
· Access to public technology such as accessible voting machines, ATMs, information kiosks
· Universal interface technologies that allow easy integration of multiple technologies (e.g., augmentative communication devices, environmental control systems, and information technologies)
· Large segment of population aging and therefore will need/use more AT
· Access standards guiding development of AT design
Technology devices are becoming more widespread, smaller, faster, powerful and more portable. With these new advances in technology, access becomes an issue for people with disabilities.
Technology advances include:
· Smaller, miniaturized devices for more portability, more power
· Wireless communications for voice, text messaging, data transmission, seamless connectivity;
· Broadband development for faster Internet communication speeds
· Delivery of traditional services via telecommunications such as telehealth, telework, e-government, and e-learning
· Prevalence and use of personal data assistants (PDAs)