Assistive Technology Categories & Assistive Technology Solutions PDF

Assistive Technology (AT) is any item or piece of equipment used to maintain, increase or improve functional capability.   AT provides the tools that enable many people to live safe, independent lives giving them an enhanced quality of life.

Vehicle Modification and Transportation

Products that assist people with independent movement/travel.

            manual/power wheelchair, scooter, walker, white cane, adapted vehicle

Recreation, Sports & Leisure

Products that improve people’s ability to actively participate in leisure time activities.

needle threader, large print cards, card holder/tray/shuffler, large knitting needle

Computer Access

Hardware and software products that improve a person’s independent access with computer functionality.

alternative mice, monitor magnification, software options that assist with vision, cognition, and physical access

Learning & Cognition

Products that assist with independence in areas related to learning.

non-slip writing surface, personal digital assistant, notetaking device, word processing software

The following categories are particularly relevant for Shopping, Cooking & Eating:

Sensory

             Vision - devices for people who are blind or visually impaired

                        *Shopping, Cooking, Eating - low vision calculator, writing guide

                        page magnifier, CCTV machine

            Hearing - devices for people who are deaf or hearing impaired
                      assistive listening device, captioning, phone amplifier

        Speech Communication - devices for people who are unable to verbally express themselves
                    picture board, Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) device

Daily Living

Aids to improve self-help skills and promote strength, dexterity and stamina for independence in activities such as cooking, eating, dressing, toileting/bathing & home maintenance.

           *Shopping, Cooking, Eating – door knob opener, 30” folding EZ reacher, writing bird

            
            extended shoe horn, sock aid, dressing stick, talking watch, buttonholer, zipper pull                  

            long handled sponge, grab bar, raised toilet seat

            medication organizer, syringe magnifier, automatic medication dispenser, microwave

Mobility, Seating & Positioning

Products that improve the efficiency and safe freedom of movement in a variety of environments. 

        *Shopping, Cooking, Eating  – portable shopping cart, EZ carry handle, kitchen roll-about, rocking T knife

    
        wheelchair, walker, scooter, laptray, adapted table

Environmental Adaptations

Products that assist in the independent control of one’s built environment.

          *Shopping, Cooking, Eating  – digital program 24 hour plug, safety wall plate - plug ejector

            
        automatic night light, light switch extension, strobe light, touch light, Braille signage

Prepared for COACH, USDA funded grant, June 2009.
Oklahoma ABLE TechlOklahoma State Universityl1514 W Hall of FamelStillwater, OK  74078
800-257-1705 or 888-885-5588V/TDDl405-744-2487 Faxlhttp://okabletech.okstate.edu