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Normal aging and a stroke left Frances with vision and mobility impairments. ALLTech helped
Frances select a computer to stay connected with her family and friends.Assistive Technology
Technological advances have made remarkable improvements in the financial, employment, educational, social, and day-to-day living aspects of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Technology increases efficiency and makes many tasks easier. It is a powerful force in the shaping of lives. Assistive technology can ensure that individuals with a wide range of abilities can have meaningful access, be productive citizens, and participate in education, activities of daily living, and recreation and leisure.
Assistive technology is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." By law, the team that meets to plan a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) must consider assistive technology.
Assistive technology includes voice recorders, personal electronic organizers, augmentative communication devices, speech recognition software, voice output software, screen readers, onscreen calculators that provide voice output, various input devices, such as adapted keyboards and switches, and specially adapted computers.
