Assistive Technology and OT: Examples and Funding

Assistive technology is transforming our society. Thanks to incredible advances, more people are able to participate more fully in their daily lives. 

This means:

• More people can live in the comfort of their own homes;

• More students can participate in educational programs; and

• Life can be made a little easier thanks to the safety and convenience features of assistive tech.

Assistive technology is a vast space spanning many offerings for many people. In this article, we will break down the different types of assistive tech and explain how these solutions are typically paid for. We’ll also provide a directory of occupational therapists who specialize in connecting people with the right assistive technology for them.

Assistive technology definition and related terms 

“Assistive technology” is an umbrella term covering the systems and entities involved in delivering assistive products and services (WHO). Traditional definitions have described assistive tech as devices that enhance daily living for persons with disabilities. Devices of this nature include wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication aids, and prosthetic limbs.

But, the application of assistive tech has gotten even broader over the years and now includes things like smart home technology, which has implications for the entire population.

Closely related terms that may fall under the umbrella of assistive technology include:

• Adaptive Equipment

• Smart Home Technology

• Home Modifications

• Aging in Place Supports

Why assistive technology is important 

Assistive technology is important because it enables people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society and lead more independent lives.

These technologies can help people with disabilities perform daily activities such as communicating with others, moving around their environment, and accessing information.

Assistive technology can have broader societal benefits, such as:

• Reducing healthcare costs,

• Increasing productivity,

• Promoting inclusivity, and

• Reducing the stigma associated with disability.

The need for assistive tech devices is already massive, and it is set to increase by 1 billion people by 2050.

Globally, more than 2.5 BILLION people need 1 or more assistive products.

3.5 billion people will need at least 1 assistive product by 2050.

Unfortunately, even though the need is massive, the majority of people do not have access to necessary assistive products—particularly in underserved areas. According to WHO, as “few as 3% of people in some low-income countries were reported to have access to the assistive products they need…”

Types of assistive technology (with examples!)

Now that you know what assistive technology is and why it is so important, let’s look at types of assistive tech and run through some specific examples.

(Please note that there is a proliferation of available assistive technology, so we are speaking in very broad terms here.)

Low-tech assistive technology

Low-tech assistive technology refers to simple and inexpensive devices, tools, or strategies that can assist people with disabilities in performing daily activities.

These technologies often do not require electricity or advanced technology and can be easily found or created with commonly available materials. Examples of low-tech assistive technology include:

• Bump dots

• Reachers

• Weighted pens

• Faucet extenders

Low-tech assistive technology can be particularly beneficial for people who do not have access to more complex or expensive technologies, or for those who only require minimal assistance. These devices can also be helpful for individuals who prefer to use less complex solutions to meet their needs or who may have difficulty learning to use more advanced technologies.

High-tech assistive technology

High-tech assistive technology refers to advanced and sophisticated devices, software, and equipment that help individuals with disabilities or impairments perform everyday tasks and activities. These technologies include things like:

• Computer software

• Specialized communication devices

• Advanced prosthetics and robotics

High-tech assistive technology often involves the use of computer-based systems, which can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual in addressing physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.

Assistive technology for the visually impaired

Assistive technology for low vision is crucial, because when vision gets low enough, standard handheld magnifiers just can’t do enough. The tricky part is that the stronger the level of magnification on a handheld magnifier, the smaller the lens has to be. So at a certain level, it becomes more effective to use digital magnification or to avoid relying on vision altogether.

Assistive technology enables individuals to maintain the greatest possible level of independence and ability to engage in their desired occupations, even if just for pleasure. Here are some examples of assistive technology for low vision:

1. Magnifiers: These low-tech devices enlarge text, images, or objects so they are easier to see. Magnifiers can be handheld or mounted on a stand, and they offer various magnification levels.

2. Screen readers: These software programs read the text displayed on a computer or mobile device out loud to the user. They can also provide audio feedback for other actions on the device, such as clicking on a button.

3. Electronic magnifiers: These handheld or desktop devices use cameras and screens to magnify text or objects. They often have features like adjustable contrast and lighting to make the image clearer.

4. Braille displays: These devices convert digital text into braille characters that can be read by touch. They can be used with computers or mobile devices and are helpful for people who are blind or who have severe low vision.

5. Voice-activated assistants: These devices—like Amazon Alexa or Google Home—can be controlled with voice commands and can perform tasks like playing music, setting reminders, and providing information.

6. Talking watches and clocks: These devices announce the time audibly, making it easier for people with low vision to keep track of time.

7. Color identification devices: These devices can identify and announce the colors of objects, which can be useful for people with color blindness or difficulty distinguishing between colors.

Assistive technology for the hearing impaired

Assistive technology is essential for people with hearing impairments, as it mitigates challenges with communicating, accessing information, and fully participating in various activities. Examples of assistive technology for those with hearing impairments include:

1. Hearing aids: Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound, making it easier for people with hearing impairments to hear.

2. Cochlear implants: Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that can provide sound sensation to people with severe hearing impairments.

3. Visual doorbells: Hearing the doorbell is really important, especially for those receiving home health services. Adding a visual doorbell that flashes while ringing loudly can help make sure important visitors don’t get missed.

4. Closed-captioning software: Closed-captioning software provides text captions of dialogue spoken on televisions, videos, and other media.

5. Speech-to-text tools: Speech-to-text tools transcribe spoken words into written text, allowing people with hearing impairments to read what others are saying. And it can be as simple as using built-in features like the microphone button on a mobile phone keyboard!

6. Vibrating alarms: While taking out your hearing aids can help you get a great night’s sleep, it also means you likely won’t hear your alarm clock, phone, or smoke detector. Vibrating alarm systems like these can ensure important alerts are received in a tactile way.

Assistive technology for aging in place

Like the other categories covered here, assistive technology for aging in place can be broadly divided into low-tech and high-tech options. Keep in mind that aging in place is a broad category overall, so these are just a few examples to get your brain going!

Low-tech options:

1. Intentional lighting: Create a reading “home base” where the lighting is optimal for doing the hardest vision tasks (like reading the newspaper). Use daylight bulbs with at least 5000K on the color temperature and direct the light at the reading material.

2. Mobility-related devices: Tools like raised toilet seats, shower chairs, walkers, and bed rails are all low-tech devices that help with aging in place.

3. Home modification: Things like offset hinges, grab bars, lever handles and pull-down shelves require installation, but these low-tech solutions can make living at home more functional.

High-tech options

1. Smart home technology: Using a hub like Google Home or Amazon Alexa and integrating smart plugs, light bulbs, thermostats, and video doorbells and door locks enable folks with even the most limited mobility to operate essential home devices right from their phone.

2. Medication management: We know that taking medications correctly is key to avoiding hospitalization. There are a lot of ways to manage medications—including pill boxes and pre-packed pouches—but tech like this automatic pill dispenser or even Spencer by Custom Health (which talks, logs vital signs, and even connects people with their provider for telehealth visits) can take functionality to a new level.

3. Personal emergency response systems (PERS): PERS are wearable or stationary devices that can automatically call for help in the event of a fall or other emergency. This could be an affordable device with a low monthly fee or something you pay for once—like an Apple Watch, which has this technology built in!

4. Remote monitoring systems: Remote monitoring systems use sensors to track a person’s activity levels, detect potential health issues, and alert caregivers or family members if there are any concerns. Many of these solutions work without cameras, offering older adults a little more privacy.

Funding for assistive technology 

Assistive technology often ends up being paid for out of pocket (which helps explain the massive disconnect between need and access). But, there are also several avenues for funding. The Assistive Technology Industry Association does a great job of laying out basic funding options:

• School systems

• Government programs

• Private health insurance

• Rehabilitation and job training programs

• Employers

For the purposes of this article, we will focus on state assistive technology programs, as these can be great resources for understanding the options in your area.

A state assistive technology program is a government-sponsored initiative that provides access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities within a particular state. These programs are designed to improve the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities by offering a range of assistive technologies to help them overcome barriers to education, employment, and daily living.

State assistive technology programs vary in scope and services offered, but they generally provide information, referrals, assessments, training, and funding assistance to help individuals with disabilities obtain the assistive technology they need. Some programs may also provide loan programs for assistive technology, refurbishing and recycling services, and advocacy and public awareness activities.

These programs are typically funded by federal grants and state appropriations, and they work closely with community-based organizations, disability advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the most appropriate and effective assistive technology solutions. State assistive technology programs are available in every state and territory in the United States, and they can be a valuable resource for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Links to find assistive technology programs within the United States:

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Territories

Guam | Northern Mariana Islands | Puerto Rico | U.S. Virgin Islands

Assistive tech programs around the world:

Malta: Access to Communication & Technology Unit

Occupational therapy professionals: Your AT experts

As you can tell from this article, there is a lot that goes into identifying the right assistive tech for you, getting funded, and then actually adopting it in your daily life. Occupational therapists are experts at leveraging assistive technology to help you participate in daily life to the fullest.

Here is a directory of OTs around the world who specialize specifically in assistive tech: