What is assistive technology?

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology definition

Our Technology Toolkit talks a lot about assistive technology (AT) – but what do we mean? 

Our working definition of AT is “Technology designed primarily to be used by disabled people.”  

This is narrower than some definitions. For example, the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)’s definition is: 

“Any item, piece of equipment, software programme, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.” 

This is a broad definition – it even includes non-electronic technologies. It can also include technologies not designed specifically for disabled people. For example, many disabled people rely on their smartphone to ‘increase, maintain or improve’ their ‘functional capabilities.’ 

Video – What is assistive technology?

Lucy Ruck, BDF Taskforce Manager talks to Paul Bepey, Senior Accessibility Consultant at Deloitte and Technology Taskforce member. They discuss what AT is, how it can support disabled people, and its wider role in boosting productivity. 

Assistive technology vs everyday technology

For the purposes of this Toolkit, we use a slightly more specific definition:  

• “Technology designed primarily to be used by disabled people.”  

We contrast this with what we call ‘everyday technology’ – which is designed to be used by a general audience (which may include disabled people). 

While everyday technology may have features designed specifically for disabled people, organisations may need to approach the procurement, testing and deployment of this technology differently to AT. Therefore, we divide technologies used by and for disabled people into these two categories.  

We recognise that there will sometimes be overlap between this divide. It is also worth noting that, while we tend to talk about electronic hardware and software, technology encompasses any human-made tool. So, don’t just think about computers and programmes – a disabled person could also benefit from an adjustable desk or dimmable lamp. 

How can assistive technology help disabled people?

As suggested by the ATIA definition above, disabled people often experience barriers related to their disability in society. AT can remove or reduce these barriers. 

For example, many people with sight loss rely on screen reader or screen magnifier software to allow them to use a computer. Without these assistive technologies, they would be cut off from vital activities that allow them to live and work comfortably. 

Lots of everyday technologies have built-in accessibility features, designed to make them more usable for disabled people. We have more advice about this in our ‘Everyday technology’ section. However, built-in accessibility will never work for every disabled individual. AT plugs the gaps where built-in accessibility doesn’t go far enough.  

Adjustments and accommodations

Businesses have a duty to remove and reduce barriers their disabled employees experience by making adjustments or accommodations. 

As we have seen, an effective way of doing this is by providing an appropriate AT solution. What is appropriate will depend on the individual and their needs, their role, and the nature of their work. Their manager should talk to them about what they need, and they may also need support from experts such as HR teams, Occupational Health, Access to Work, and Business Disability Forum’s Advice Service. 

Many AT solutions are low cost, often no more than a few hundred pounds. When you consider this against the productivity and self value of an individual, this cost is very quickly recovered. 

The ‘Adjustments for employees and customers’ section of this Toolkit has more information. 

Further information 

Our resource, ‘Assistive technology catalogues,’ has more information about the most common types of AT in use.