What is Assistive Technology?

AT Defined:

Assistive Technology or AT is any device and services used to support people in academics, communication or independence functioning.  These devices can be low tech, like pencil grips to highly individualized equipment such as computers and speech generating devices. 

In Alberta AT is defined as:

Assistive technology for learning (ATL) is defined as the devices, media and services used by students with physical, sensory, cognitive, speech, learning or behavioural disabilities to actively engage in learning and to achieve their individual learning goals. ATL is a subset of a broad range of technologies that enhance students’ learning. ATL assists students in performing functions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to accomplish independently. ATL is directly related to the delivery of learning outcomes in the Alberta programs of study. (Chapter 9, Individualized program planning (IPP) : ECS to grade 12, Alberta Education, p.1)

In the United States AT is defined by the IDEA Act of 2004, as:

1) Assistive Technology Device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system … used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

2) Assistive Technology Service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.