Assistive Technology is More than Devices!

April 21, 2025

I realize that we have spent the last couple of weeks talking about assistive technology (AT) devices, but we must not forget the vital importance of AT Services! I would argue that AT Services can make or break a successful AT device acquisition & use process. In most cases, without AT Services, many people will go without this life-changing tech!

So, what are Assistive Technology services? AT Services include assessments, AT device demonstrations, short-term AT device loans (try-before-you-buy), equipment purchases, funding assistance, AT device setup, and training. Without these services, it is possible that:

• A person received a device that did not match their needs because they did not have an assessment or an equipment demonstration.
• A person purchased an AT device that does not work for them because they could not try it before purchase.
• A person may get the right device, but it sits in a box because no help is available for setup.
• The device may go unused because no one is available to train an individual on the device, and
• The AT device was never purchased because help is unavailable to find and apply for funding.

That last bullet reminds me: many people who came into the Center I previously worked at had the money to purchase the recommended AT devices, but just needed some help to buy them, often due to complications and distrust of online shopping. While this occurs less and less as people age into technology, it demonstrates how barriers can appear at any step in the process of AT device acquisition and use.

So, remember, Assistive Technology is about devices AND services. If you need AT services for yourself or someone you know, please seek help from your physical, occupational, and/or speech therapist; an AT professional in your neighborhood; an educator in your school specializing in AT, and/or connect with your Assistive Technology Act Program in your state or territory.

Image Description: A woman and a boy sit on a couch. The boy is holding a tablet.

Topic(s): Assistive Technology