Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology or AT is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This definition of AT was taken from the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act Amendments of 1994.

Examples of AT:

Mobility devices such as a wheelchairs and scooters.
Canes, crutches and walkers.
Hand controls on vehicles. Ramps and lifts for vehicles.
Magnifiers to enlarge written material or computer screens.
Hearing aides.

AT Resources:

Enabling Mobility Center The EMC provides assistive technology (AT) resources and demonstrations to persons with disabilities including monthly vendor demonstrations.

Equipment Technology Consortium--ETC Missouri's short-term assistive technology equipment loan program.

ABLEDATA This site provides information on Assistive Technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the US.

Center for Assistive Technology This center includes research, education and service in Assistive Technology.

WheelchairNet A site for people who have a common interest in wheelchair technology and its improvement and successful application. Rehabilitation Engineering and AT Society of America -- RESNA Information on assistive technology and home modifications, including laws and guidelines; initiatives from the AT Act grantees; advocacy, financing, modification and research resources; accreditation; online courses and a bibliography.

AT Network This website has many resources including links to publication on Assistive Technology, dealers, and a discussion group.

Institute for Matching Person and Technology Matches users of technologies with the most appropriate devices for their use. The Institute works to enhance the situation of technology users through research, assessment, training and consultation.

Assistivetech.net An online information resource that provides information on assistive technologies, adaptive environments and community resources.

Dealer and Company Links:

United Access United Access provides adapted, accessible vehicles including new wheelchair accessible vans, used wheelchair vans, wheelchair van rentals, scooter lifts, hand controls, mobility seats and transfer seats, ramps and other accessible equipment.

United Seating and Mobility United Seating Mobility provides comprehensive seating and mobility solutions for people with disabilities.

Sunrise Medical Products designed to promote independent and involved lifestyles. Sunrise Medical is about abilities, and is dedicated to quality of design and its impact on the quality of life.

Thomas Fetterman, Inc Thomas Fetterman invented and patented a new crutch tip technology with a built-in shock absorbing system.

SW Bell Special Needs Website This site has resources for assistive technology related to telephone communication for people with disabilities.

Apple Computer - People with Special Needs Information on the accessibility of apple computers as well as resources for AT to use with apple computers.

SpinLife A site for buying wheelchairs, scooters and accessories. A good place to research pricing and different types of AT.

IBM Accessibility Center Information on assistive technology that can be used with IBM computers.

RehabCentral Provides resources to find rehabilitation products and assistive devices. Industry-wide catalogs and community of rehab users and experts.