WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)?
Assistive technology is any accommodation provided that compensates a cognitive or physical deficit for people with disabilities by providing equal access to information, tasks or activities.
Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, walking, talking, remembering, seeing, hearing, learning, and many other things. Each person is unique, and different challenges require different AT.
Closing The Gap does not manufacture AT. We are a non-bias resource, publishing news and information, and providing professional development training sharing assistive technology best practices and implementation strategies.
What are examples of assistive technology?
From low-tech everyday items in your home to high-tech commercially manufactured devices, AT is a broad term that encompasses all kinds technology and everyday devices. If you’ve ever used a spell checker or a stool to reach the top shelf in your kitchen, you’ve used AT!
How do you select the right assistive technology?
Finding the correct assistive technology to meet your specific needs begins with an assistive technology assessment. The assessment process is typically done by a team of professionals and consultants who are trained to assess the unique needs of the individual and match assistive technology to those needs. Most commonly, the team may include regular and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, family doctor and other specialists as needed.
As technology is ever-changing, it’s imperative that assessment team members are knowledgeable and stay abreast of available products and their updates. Having an understanding of the FULL scope of available products, best practices and implementation strategies is key to the assessment process.
How can Closing The Gap help me find the right assistive technology?
We’re here to help. Closing The Gap has been a trusted resource since 1984. We’ve been at the forefront of the assistive technology field, publishing the first magazine dedicated to the topic of assistive technology and continue to lead the field with state-of-the-art professional development tools, online training opportunities and our annual, international conference.
Discover Over 1,500 Products for Children and Adults with Disabilities
The Resource Directory is a culmination of an extensive, year-round search for the latest software, hardware and other assistive technology products that are on the market today, as well as their producers. It is a tool to assist members, discover, research and compare.
Supporting Educators, Practitioners, Parents and Specialists
Convenient and on-demand, our Membership platform offers professional development training, resources and tools for individuals, school districts, rehabilitation centers, non profit organizations and universities who are using assistive technologies to support children and adults with disabilities.
Get Hands-On and Develop Your AT Skills
Held annually, each Fall in Minnesota, the Closing The Gap conference is recognized as the best educational assistive technology conference in the country.
Discover the latest technologies and best practices that are making a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
GLOSSARY OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TERMINOLOGY
AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Access Software
Software that supports input to the computer by devices other than the standard keyboard or supports output from the computer in formats other than those normally provided by the standard monitor.
Adapted Keyboard/Switch Access
Software created or modified to allow adapted access via touch boards, touch screens, switches with scanning, single hand or finger keyboard use.
Adapted Play
Toy that can be made accessible through simple adaptations such as switches.
Alternative Keyboard
A hardware device that replaces or works in addition to the standard keyboard and is positioned to meet the specific needs of the user.
Authorable Content
Software that allows the user to add to or change its content.
Basic Living Skills
Software that enhances an individual’s ability to survive in society, from sight words to job readiness.
Braille
Software that translates from English to Braille, Braille to English, or functions as a Braille training program.
Braille Input
A hardware device that allows input to the computer via a Braille style keyboard or specific keys on a standard keyboard that function in Braille patterns.
Braille Output
A hardware device that produces hard copy Braille or paperless, refreshable Braille as output from the computer.
Cause/Effect Software
Software in which one specific action produces an effect such as a specific sound or graphical output. Can be used with any kind o