About assistive technology (AT)
Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of device or technology that can help someone to independently access something or do something (like eat, move or wash).
AT comes in many forms, from the simplest such as a writing aid, to more complex equipment like eye-gaze devices to help someone communicate.
How AT can help young people
- helps with learning: some children or young people find it hard to read, write, or do maths. AT can help them learn better.
- makes getting around easier: if a child or young person has trouble moving around, AT can help them get to places more easily.
- helps with hearing and seeing: some children and young people can’t hear or see well. AT can help with hearing and seeing.
- communicating: if a child or young person has trouble talking, there are devices that can speak for them. This helps them tell others what they need or how they feel.
- playing and having fun: there are toys and games made for children who need extra help. These toys can make playing easier and more fun.
- being independent: AT helps children do things on their own. which makes them feel more independent and confident.
How AT can help parents and carers
- less worry: parents and carers worry less because they know their child or young person has the right tools to help them with school and daily activities.
- more independence: when children and young people can do things on their own with the help of special tools, parents don’t have to help as much. This gives parents and carers more time to do other things.
- better communication: some tools help children and young people talk or express themselves better. This makes it easier for parents to understand what their child or young person needs or how they feel.
- easier learning: special devices can help children and young people learn better, which makes parents and carers happy because they want their children or young people to do well in school.
- peace of mind: knowing that their child or young person has the right support makes parents and carers feel more at ease and less stressed.
- more fun: when children can play and have fun with special toys or games, it makes parents and carers happy to see their child enjoying themselves.
Accessing AT
Anyone can access AT. It can be found on the phone or computer you use regularly. AT devices and products can be purchased or loaned from several places, such as Medequip.
You can speak to whichever team is currently involved with your child or young person to see if AT could be helpful.
Examples of different types of AT
‘No tech’ assistive technology
These include:
- Grab rails
- Wet room/toilet equipment
- Pencil grip
- Sticky notes
- Slanted surfaces
- Raised line paper
- Weighted pencils
- Magnifying bars
- Tactile letters
- Covered overlays
‘Low tech’ assistive technology
These include:
- Hoists
- Mobility equipment, bath seats/chairs, buzzers
- Portable word processors
- Talking calculator
- Switches
- Lights
- Electronic organisers
- Apps
- Sensors
‘High tech’ assistive technology
These include:
- E-Readers
- Touch screen devices
- Computerised testing
- Speech recognition software
- Text to speech
- Progress monitoring software
- GPS
- Eye gaze technology
