assistive technology

assistive technology

Assistive technology means tools and devices that help people with disabilities do everyday things more easily. These can be simple items like magnifying glasses or can be complex, like screen-reading software that reads text aloud or electronic devices that help control a home. The goal is to reduce barriers so people can read, communicate, move around, learn, and work with less difficulty. It can be physical equipment, apps on a phone, or software that adapts a computer to a person’s needs. These solutions are often customized for the person’s specific limitations and preferences, because what helps one person may not help another. Assistive technology does not cure a condition, but it can greatly increase independence and confidence. It also matters because it opens up opportunities in education, employment, and social life for people who might otherwise be excluded. Access to these tools can be affected by cost, awareness, and availability, so support from healthcare, schools, and employers is important. Training and maintenance are also key, since a device or program only helps when the person knows how to use it and when it works reliably.