What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is any device or software used to reduce or eliminate a disability-related impediment – and the training to use the device/software for that purpose. Although there are many types of assistive technology, Adaptive Enterprises, LLC focuses primarily on the following:
- Educational Technology – Devices and software designed to help students succeed in school. This type of technology may also be used in the workplace as it relates to learning needs.
- Text-to-speech software to help with reading
- Speech-to-text software to help with writing
- Text prediction software to help with spelling
- Apps/Devices to help with taking notes
- Apps/programs to help with study skills
- Apps/programs to help with organization/time management
- And more!
- Executive Functioning (Cognitive/Organization) Technology – Software applications and training used to help individuals who have difficulty planning, organizing, remembering, focusing, or initiating tasks. This type of technology is used in educational settings as well as the workplace.
- Apps/programs to help plan time effectively
- Apps/programs that provide reminder prompts
- Task management applications
- Apps/programs that help with focusing/refocusing
- And more!
- Computer/Device Access – Devices and software to help individuals who have difficulty using a computer with a keyboard/mouse or using a phone/tablet with their fingers.
- Apps/programs allowing hands-free voice commands
- Modified keyboards for different abilities
- Non-standard mice for better comfort/controllability
- Use of macros for commonly used commands
- Switch Access
- And more
- Vision-Related Technology – Devices, software, and training to help individuals who have difficulty seeing as needed in the classroom or workplace.
- Devices/apps that magnify physical objects in the environment
- Devices/apps that magnify information on the screen of a computer or mobile device
- Software/apps that read text out loud
- Software/system settings that allow auditory navigation
- Refreshable Braille Displays (and integration with computer/mobile device apps)
- And more
- Business Technology – Software and training related to the management of a small business or working in an office environment. While training on some of this software can be provided for less cost in a mainstream training program, Adaptive Enterprises, LLC recognizes the need for one-on-one instruction that allows for flexibility and repetition to meet the specific needs of the individual.
- Software that automates repeating business tasks
- Software that sets reminders for tasks
- Software to track the financial transactions of the business
- Individualized training in Microsoft Office products
- And more
- Customized Applications – Creation of an application to address the specific needs of an individual when the features needed in such an application are not present in an existing application.
