According to the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, assistive technology can be defined as a device or service which is used across practice arenas and across the lifespan. These tools focus on maintaining or improving functional capabilities (AOTA, 2020).

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Assistive technology devices are “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (AOTA, 2020, para. 2).  Assistive technology services include the “evaluation of need, the process of acquiring the device, fitting or customizing the device, coordinating the intervention plan, and providing training and technical support to the user and related support personnel” (AOTA, 2020, para. 2).

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Under the rehabilitation and compensatory frames of reference, occupational therapists help determine what devices a client needs to meet the demands of an occupation and consider the match between a client’s skills and the use of the device (AOTA, 2020).

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The following are types of assistive technology (NIH, 2018):

• Mobility aids (i.e. wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices)

• Hearing aids

• Cognitive aids, including computer or electrical assistive devices

• Computer software and hardware, such as voice recognition programs, screen readers, and screen enlargement applications

• Tools such as automatic page turners, book holders, and adapted pencil grips

• Closed captioning devices

• Physical modifications in the built environment, including ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways 

• Lightweight, high-performance mobility devices

• Adaptive switches and utensils

• Specialized handles and grips, devices that extend reach, and lights on telephones and doorbells