What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is an item or service that helps a person with a disability complete daily tasks that they couldn't do otherwise. AT can help someone be more independent and productive. It helps them feel safe and empowered. Most importantly, it can help them feel included in their community.

AT can be as simple as a pencil grip or as high-tech as a speech device. The terms “low-tech,” “high-tech” and “no-tech” are often used to label an AT device. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective.  

AT can help someone:

• Communicate
• Cook
• Dress 
• Eat
• Follow a schedule 
• Hear
• Learn or show what they know 
• Make choices 
• Move 
• Play
• Process what they hear
• Read 
• See  
• Tell time 
• Work 
• Worship 
• Write

An AT service is a person or organization that helps someone with a disability get the right device. Some AT services train people how to use the device. Some even cover maintenance and repair of AT devices. 

Finding the right AT device and knowing how to use it is important. In some cases, a device can’t be used without a service. They work together. 

There are different ways to get assistive technology. Here are a few that may apply to your situation: 

• Your child’s school district under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 
• Medicaid Waiver Programs 
• Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
• Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program 

Other sources to consider include nonprofit organizations, recycled equipment exchange programs and religious or civic organizations. These sources may donate an AT device or help you ‌pay for it. 

You can learn more about Assistive Technology on this website.