Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, also known as assistive devices or adaptive equipment, is any equipment or system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional skills of individuals who have disabilities, whether it be purchased, modified, or custom-made (Assistive Technology Industry Association, 2015). Options for assistive technology range greatly from high-tech equipment such as an iPad or an application for communication to low-tech options such as a visual schedule using a pen and paper (Assistive Technology Industry Association, 2015). Other common assistive technology devices include positioning and mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and baseball-specific beep balls (Assistive Technology Industry Association, 2015). Assistive technology comes in different sizes, variations, and styles. Below are a few typical assistive technology devices used by children to help them move around their environment and communicate with others.
(Numotion, 2023)
Ultra-lightweight wheelchair
Under 25 lbs.
Easy to transport and manipulate
Independent on mobility (self-propel)
Offers less support
Relies upon having good postural support
Ability to customize:
Arm rests
Leg rests
Rear wheels
(Numotion, 2023)
Tilt Wheelchair
Helps facilitate:
Feeding
Respiratory functions
Relieves pressure from the pelvis
Easily customizable
Dependent on mobility (assistance required)
(Junkie, 2022)
Sports Wheelchair
Easy mobility for physical activity
Can reach greater speeds
Independent on mobility
It offers less support with narrow seating
It has a lightweight frame and inclined/angled wheels, making turning easier
A front crossbar inhibits tipping and falling
(Junkie, 2022)
Electric Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are customizable to an individual's needs and allow greater freedom.
They are often used in children with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or other complex conditions.
Electric wheelchairs present more of a safety concern, so individuals who power the wheelchairs should be cognitively competent enough to maneuver the wheelchair safely.
(Junkie, 2022)
A beep baseball is an adapted baseball. It is a large version of a baseball that makes noise to alert a player with blindness or vision impairments the location of the ball.
(Shanahan, 2020)
This tablet helps individuals with intellectual disabilities or language impairments express themselves with the surrounding world.
It allows the user to text-to-speech, press pre-programed words or phrases, switch between different languages, and take pictures to share.
(Shanahan, 2020)
Visual schedules are used to explain a sequence of activities or the steps of a specific activity.
Depending upon the child's ability, they can be created using pictures, photographs, or written words.