Learn about AT > Types

Assistive technology is classified according to the task for which it enables a child with a disability to perform. The list included below is only an example of assistive technology systems that may be considered. It is not inclusive of ALL assistive technology options that are available.

Seating and Positioning

These types of AT may allow the student greater access to the educational activities.

• non-slip surface on chair
• blocks for feet
• bolster or rolled towel
• adapted or alternate chair
• side-lying frames
• standing frame
• floor sitter
• chair insert
• wheelchairs
• custom fitted wheelchair
• straps
• head supports
• trays
• adapted desk/table
• bean bag chairs

Activities of Daily Living (ADL's)

Items that allow independence in the area of eating, dressing, or toileting.

• adapted eating utensils
• adapted drinking devices
• adaptive dressing devices
• specially designed toilet seats
• restroom modifications
• aids for grooming
• robotic and electronic feeders

Environmental Control

Enables the child to perform independent use of equipment in the classroom.

• switch operations for appliances
• adaptable on/off switches
• remote control switch access

Mobility

For individuals with physical disabilities, these items may be considered to enable the student to move around the classroom and school environment.

• walkers
• grab rails
• manual or powered wheelchairs
• powered recreational vehicles
• building modifications and adaptations

For individuals with vision impairments, mobility aids many be necessary to navigate the school.

• white canes
• electronic image sensors
• telescopic aids

Assistive Listening

Assists the student in gaining auditorily presented educational information.

• hearing aids
• classroom amplification
• personal FM system
• captioning
• signaling device
• TDD/TTY
• screen flash on computer

Visual Aids

Enable students with visual impairment to gain information from educational activities.

• increased contrast
• enlarged images
• use of tactile and auditory materials
• books on tape
• eye glasses
• magnifier
• large print books
• low vision aids
• screen magnifier
• screen magnification software
• Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
• screen reader
• braille keyboard or notetaker
• braille translator software
• braille printer/embosser
• brailled materials
• scanners
• optical character readers
• reading machine

Augmentative Communication

Assist students in effectively communicating in classroom, social, and routine activities of the school day.

• communication boards and wallets
• eye gaze board
• simple voice output device
• electronic communication devices
• speech synthesizers
• communication enhancement software
• computer based communication systems

Physical Education, Leisure, and Play

Enhance the student's social interaction and participation in recreational activities.

• adapted toys and games
• adapted puzzles
• switch activations with battery interrupter
• adapted sporting equipment
• universal cuff to hold crayons, markers
• modified stampers and scissors
• beeping balls
• arm support for drawing
• graphic design software
• computer games

Reading

Adaptations to reading materials which make it accessible.

• change in text size, spacing, color, background color
• use of pictures with text
• adapted page turning
• book stands
• talking electronic device
• scanner with talking word processor
• electronic text books
• highlighted text
• software for concept development
• software for organization (ie., Inspiration)
• recorded material
• multimedia presentation formats
• books on tape
• optical character reader
• brailled books

Writing

Adaptives to produce text material.

• pencil with adaptive grip
• adapted paper
• slantboard
• typewriter
• portable word processor
• talking word processing
• computer
• word processing with spell/grammar checking
• word prediction
• electronic dictionary/thesaurus/spell checker
• word cards/ word book/ word wall
• voice recognition software
• braille keyboard or notetaker
• braille printer

Computer Access

Means for the student to access the computer. This may include input and output .

• keyboard with built in accessibility options on a standard computer
• keyguard
• arm support
• track ball/ track pad
• joystick with onscreen keyboard
• alternate keyboard
• mouth stick/headpointer
• head mouse/ head master, tracker
• touch screen
• voice recognition software
• switch with Morse code
• switch with scanning
• screen reader