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Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive Technology (AT) is any device, software, or modification that helps individuals overcome a physical, sensory, cognitive, or learning barrier so they can access information, participate in activities, and live more independently. In short, AT bridges the gap between a person’s abilities and the demands of everyday life.

People use AT to assist challenges with speaking, walking, seeing, hearing, remembering, learning, and more. Because every person’s needs are different, AT is highly personal — the right solution for one person might be ineffective for another.

What is AT in Special Education?

By removing barriers to learning, AT ensures that students with disabilities can access the curriculum, demonstrate their knowledge, and participate fully in school life. In special education, AT refers to any item, piece of equipment, software, or system—whether purchased off the shelf, modified, or custom-made—that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability.

AT can be low-tech (like pencil grips, communication boards, or slant boards) or high-tech (like speech-to-text software, screen readers, or alternative keyboards). What matters most is that the technology is chosen to meet the student’s individual needs, as determined through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Common types of AT

  • Communication tools — speech-generating devices, communication apps, picture boards. (For more information, check out the Speech & Language and AAC page.)

  • Mobility aids — wheelchairs, walkers, adaptive seating, power-assist devices.

  • Vision supports — screen readers, magnification software, braille displays.

  • Hearing supports — hearing aids, FM systems, captioning services.

  • Cognitive & learning supports — organizers, reminder apps, text-to-speech, simplified interfaces.

  • Environmental controls & daily living aids — smart-home switches, adapted utensils, reachers.

The goal is always to provide the right tools so the student can fully participate and succeed in their learning. No single product works for everyone. The best AT solution is built around the person — their abilities, daily routines, environment, and goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student with hearing aid using tablet and speech-to-text app
A joyful child with a modern hearing device sits among classmates,
Therapist assisting child with disability in wheelchair outdoors
Asian woman with blindness disability using computer with refreshable braille display or braille terminal a technology assistive device
The hand of a blind man reads a Braille

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Rory Hazen

Rory Hazen
Program Specialist

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Explore Types of Assistive Technology

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