A legal definition of assistive technology was published in the 1988 Individuals with Disabilities Act (The Tech Act). The act was amended in 1994. Additionally, in 1998 it was replaced with the Assistive Technology Act of 1988 (“AT Act”).

Assistive technology is technology designed for individuals with special needs. This technology helps the subject to access education.

Assistive technology includes devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, hardware, software, and peripherals to help individuals with disabilities access information.

For example, a paraplegic student with limited hand mobility may use a special mouse to operate a computer, someone who is blind may use read aloud text, and a deaf student may use a text telephone. In addition, for speech impairments speak devices are a good choice. Furthermore, people with low vision can benefit from enlarged text.

Today, a great variety of assistive technology items are available. This provides ALL individuals the opportunity to access information technology. Overall, accessibility depends on a special design, in order to meet the needs of everyone, with or without special needs.

standards.gov/standardsgov/assistiveTechnology