Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology topic includes research on any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is meant to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people who have a loss or reduction in function, or to compensate for a functional impairment or underdevelopment. It includes research on safety of assistive technology.

Assistive technology can support the functional capabilities of people with challenges including developmental and cognitive disabilities as well as disabilities caused by illness or injury. Wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, hearing aids, automatic page turners, closed captioning, accessible ramps, adaptive utensils, and voice recognition programs are all examples of assistive technology. With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with a range of disabilities.