Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) includes both devices and services. A device is any item or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. Many high-tech and low-tech devices are now available to assist people with disabilities with daily living tasks, education, work, and recreation.

Examples of AT devices include: wheelchairs, Velcro, adapted clothing and toys, computers, seating systems, powered mobility, augmentative communication devices, special switches, assisted listening devices, visual aids, memory prosthetics, and thousands of other commercially available or adapted items.

AT services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire, or use AT devices. Such services also include functional evaluations, training on or demonstration of devices, and purchasing or leasing devices.

General Assistive Technology Resources

Washington

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)

The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program serves Washington residents of all ages with disabilities of all types, their families, employers and employment service providers, educators, health care and social service providers, and others seeking information about assistive technology (AT) and accessible information technology. Learn more about their Assistive Technology Exchange, Assistive Technology Device Loans, and other AT Resources in Washington State on their website.

Website: http://watap.org/

Oregon

Access Technologies, INc.

As Oregon’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program, Access Technologies, Inc. (ATI), develops and implements comprehensive services in furtherance of their mission: “to assure that persons with disabilities in Oregon will be able to secure and effectively use assistive technologies.” ATI is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities and is partially funded by a grant from Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education. ATI administers Oregon’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program through a team of Certified Assistive Technology Specialists.

Website: https://www.accesstechnologiesinc.org/

Assistive Technology Funding Resources

Assistive Technology Assessment Resources

Assistive Technology Selection Checklist