What is Assistive Technology: Past, Present and Future 

Our understanding and use of Assistive Technology (AT) is changing. There are many opportunities for those that can identify how and why it is changing and thoughtfully implement assistive technologies into a broad range of learning environments. 

THE PAST 

In the past AT, was any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. For example, dictation technology has traditionally been seen as a technology for those that struggle with writing because of a diagnosed learning disability. (Sec. 200.5 assistive technology device, 2017).

THE PRESENT 

AT is thought of and primarily used by individuals with disabilities or accessibility needs. Students are sometimes using elements of AT such as dictation for messaging on phones, closed captions to help pay attention to online videos, or listening to an audiobook instead of reading it even if "accessibility" or "disability" is not the main motivating factors. There is still the bias and stigma that these tools are only for individuals with disabilities. 

THE FUTURE

AT is not considered a product for individuals with disabilities or accessibility needs. Every student or learner has various technology-based tools that they view as indispensable that were previously thought of as only for people with disabilities. "Necessary for some but beneficial for all" is a good way to describe broadly used and effective assistive technology. There is no stigma about assistive technology tools, but rather they are seen as indispensable tools for all students.