What Is Assistive Technology?
(And Why It Matters)
Understand the importance of assistive technology. Our guide defines assistive technology, explains its significance in daily life, and shows how simple DIY solutions can empower independence on a budget. We’ll also discuss the different types of assistive tech, how it can impact meaningful participation in activities, and why do-it-yourself AT offers personalized and customizable benefits.
This content is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or medical professional regarding a medical condition or treatment. This content is for informational purposes only.
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Unlocking Everyday Possibilities With Assistive Technology
Have you ever found a simple everyday task challenging to complete? Maybe zipping up pants, picking up an item off the floor, or cutting with scissors. You’re not alone. That’s where assistive technology (AT) comes in. AT devices offer a bridge that can connect experiencing challenges in everyday tasks to being able to complete the task with more ease and comfort. Assistive tech can:
- Empower independence
- Boost autonomy
- Be a time saver
- Conserve energy
- Alleviate caregiver and support needs
- Enhance confidence
- Boosts positive social impacts
- Accessible living
- Enables inclusion
- Enhances participation in meaningful occupations
- Improves quality of life and well-being
- Improves safety and reduces risks
- Provides education supports for learners
In this article you will learn:
- The definition of assistive technology
- Understand the three main types of assistive tech
- Terms often used to describe or in relation to assistive technology
- The profound impacts of assistive technology on our everyday lives
- Lastly, why do-it-yourself (DIY) assistive technology (AT) offers a unique and customizable benefits
What Exactly Is Assistive Technology?
So, what exactly is assistive technology? By definition, assistive technology enables individuals with functional difficulties to complete daily tasks with more ease and comfort, making the task more accessible. Furthermore, assistive technology devices can replace or support an impaired function so that the individual is able to complete the task with more independence and autonomy. In fact, AT includes any item or piece of equipment, product system, service, or software that increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of a person with a disability.
Obviously, I love assistive tech. It’s pretty awesome stuff.
Looking For Ready-Made Assistive Technology?
Check out my curated list of favorite occupational therapy products from sensory support tools to daily living aids.
Click the button below to see the full list.
Beyond High-Tech Devices
Assistive technology isn’t just high-tech devices such as specialized computer systems, expensive communication devices, and motorized all-terrain wheelchairs. AT also includes low-tech and mid-tech devices as well. Let’s break down the three types of assistive tech.
- Low-tech assistive technology includes simple, non-electronic devices such as button hooks, rocker knives, visual schedules, and sock aids. This type of AT is often DIY friendly. At this point, all the devices that you find on my site are all low-tech devices.
- Mid-tech assistive technology often includes batteries or simple electronics. Some examples of functional devices in the mid-tech category include adaptive switches, basic communication devices, screen magnifiers, and alternative keyboards.
- High-tech assistive technology include sophisticated electronic devices including computer based systems. High-tech includes devices such augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC), motorized wheelchairs, specialized software for the classroom, environmental controls, smart homes, and bionic prosthetics.
Important Assistive Technology Terminology
- Adaptive equipment– devices and tools that are either modified or designed to assist those with functional difficulties to complete tasks with more independence.
- Daily living aids– a device or piece of equipment that is specifically designed and used to complete self-care tasks such as those associated with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, eating, grooming, toileting, and dressing.
- Functional devices and aids– any type of device or aids that assists an individual and enables them to complete a task with more independence.
- Assistive devices– a type of device that provides the user assistance in completing a task which may otherwise be difficult to complete without the device.
Why Does Assistive Technology Matter? The Power Of AT
Empower Independence And Autonomy
Assistive technology, whether high-tech or low-tech, allows an individual to gain independence in various everyday tasks depending on the device(s). For example, for an individual with arthritis experiencing hand pain while buttoning a shirt can use touch-close adaptive clothing or a button hook to manipulate buttons instead of using their fingers, helping to relieve pain. Furthermore, the use of assistive tech enhances autonomy and the right to make informed decisions.
Enhance Time Saving Strategies and Conserves Energy
Using adaptive functional devices can not only save time in completing a task, but can also conserve energy as well. For some, getting dressed in the morning can be a cumbersome task and expend an enormous amount of energy. With the right support, tools and environment, daily tasks such as dressing can be completed with more ease, all while conserving energy depending on the individual.
Alleviate Caregiver and Support Needs
Through the use of AT, the need for caregiver support or the amount of support can be lessened or eliminated depending on the task and individual. For example, if someone is unable to perform self-feeding due to difficulties holding a spoon, a universal cuff may be used in place of the caregiver.
Improve Quality of Life and Well-being
Gaining independence through the use of assistive technology can not only boost the quality of life and well-being of an individual, but also improve the confidence and social connection with others. The positive impacts of AT can impact social-emotional wellbeing, and inclusion and accessibility within the home and community.
Improve Safety and Reduce Risks
With the help of assistive technology, safety of an individual around the home and community can be improved with the right assistive equipment. Through the use of safety equipment such as walkers, grab bars, and non-slip mats and rugs can help to reduce risks and injuries including falls, burns in the kitchen, and strains. Working with an occupational or physical therapist to acquire the piece of AT that is right for you and understand how to use it safely is pertinent.
Participation In Meaningful Activities (Occupations!)
Assistive devices can also help heighten participation in meaningful activities and our day to day occupations. Participation in meaningful activities is a core value in occupational therapy. Enabling participation can help build confidence, well-being, enhance social connections and personal growth.
Meaningful activities include activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) as well as work, leisure, and play.
Activities of daily living include basic self-care needs such as:
- Feeding
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Toileting
Instrumental activities of daily living go beyond basic self-care. These include activities such as:
- Managing finances
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Medication management
- Grocery shopping
- Using the phone
The DIY Advantage: Why DIY AT Matters Even More
Need And Accessibility
According to the Global Report On Assistive Technology published in 2022 by WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Children’s Fund), 2.5 billion people are in need of one or more types of assistive devices. And by 2050 that number will most likely rise to 3.5 billion people. Based on their survey, a range of 3% to 90% of people who need an assistive device were able to access one. According to AT Scale Global Partnership For Assistive Technology reports that in low-income countries only 10% of individuals who need AT actually have access to it. This is a huge contrast to those in high-income countries where 90% of individuals have access to AT. The Global Report On Assistive Technology states that “considerable inequity in access to AT due to a multitude of barriers.”
According to the Global Report, barriers to access AT include:
- Lack of awareness
- Affordability
- Lack of services
- Inadequate quality of the product
- Supply chain challenges
- Procurement
- Barriers may also exist based on age, sex, gender, type and extent of disability
- Socioeconomic status
- Living environment
- Necessary support and services
- Location
Affordability
Affordability plays a major barrier towards the access of assistive technology. The complexity of the assistive device and an individual’s location can further complicate affordability.
Here in the States, Medicare.org states the coverage of durable medical equipment (DME) such as manual wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, commode chairs, respiratory equipment, and blood sugar testing supplies, are based on medical necessity as prescribed by the physician or other medical professional. This type of equipment is often rented, but can also be purchased according to their website. Other types of assistive technology that are not included under DME includes devices used for accessible living and comfort such as long handled devices, built up utensils and weighted cups.
That’s where do-it-yourself low-tech AT comes in. Upcycling and repurposing materials in order to make AT can improve the accessibility of simple assistive devices. The devices you find on this site, help make living more accessible with minimal out of pocket costs thanks to using repurposed and upcycled materials.
DIY Assistive Tech Here At The DIY Therapist
The do-it-yourself (DIY) low-tech AT that is featured on my site, uses repurposed and upcycled materials as much as possible to help increase affordability and accessibility of the materials needed to make an adaptive device. Because I use items often found in the average home, and not a 3D printer for example, the low-tech assistive devices are even more inexpensive using materials that are more readily available. Because of this, DIY low-tech assistive technology projects are often more accessible to all no matter your income or location.
Personalization And Customization Benefit Of DIY AT
One of the many benefits of DIY assistive technology is the ability to personalize and customize each assistive device based on the user’s needs. Whether its specific finger placement on an assistive device, additional loops, wider built up gripping surfaces, the addition of non-slip areas, or push button tactile cues, customization of equipment can be made in real time and can be easily adjusted.
As occupational therapy practitioners, we specialize in seeing the need, recommending assistive devices for a just right fit, and best practice use.
Working with your rehabilitation practitioner including physical, occupational, or speech therapist to discuss your personal needs for adaptive devices can help to personalize your DIY assistive tech device for home and community use.
Sustainability And Upcycling
Of course, making your own DIY assistive tech is not only more sustainable, but it aligns with eco-friendly values of reusing items before they are thrown away. Every project and tutorial I create focuses on using upcycled materials as much as possible, creating a more earth-loving assistive device.
Who Can Benefit From Assistive Technology (And DIY AT)
Assistive technology is for anyone who experiences a temporary or permanent challenge in completing daily tasks. This includes both children and adults with disabilities along with those with long term health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and dementia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Children: Developmental delays, fine motor challenges, sensory support and education needs
- Adults: Post surgery and injury, chronic conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, mobility differences, and functional challenges
- Seniors: Ageing in place, cognitive support, and maintaining daily living skills
- Anyone: Experiencing a temporary or permanent challenge in daily living skills.
Getting Started With Assistive Tech (Your Next Steps!)
Discuss With Your Personal Occupational Therapy Practitioner
As always, if possible, discuss your needs and accessibility concerns with your personal OT. Your occupational therapy practitioner has specific training in all areas of AT and can help you find just the right assistive device to fit your needs. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists along with certified assistive technology professionals, educators, and rehabilitation specialists are all trained in AT to help users identify, select, and implement AT devices and services.
Working with a professional that is trained in AT is essential to ensure the device fits correctly and is used the way it is intended. Strain and additional damage can be caused by using a device incorrectly as well as it not being a good fit for the user. Please use caution when using AT and discuss any concerns you may have with your rehabilitation therapist.
Observe And Identify Your Needs
Start by contacting your personal occupational, physical, or speech-pathologist to discuss areas of concern. Observe your daily living tasks and where challenges occur. Do your hands feel unsteady while eating? Do you need a ramp to enter your home to help improve accessibility and safety? How about grab bars in the bathroom and a raised toilet seat? Jot down or audio record notes about your experiences during the day and discuss them with your rehabilitation team.
New To DIY?
If you are new to do-it-yourself projects, start small like adding built up handles, push buttons, and non-slip surfaces.
- Would a built up gripping surface help you to grasp a toothbrush or other utensil with more ease and comfort?
- Or would a non-slip and/or a built up gripping surface help maintain your grasp on a fork?
- Or would small push buttons added to a remote control help you change the channel and turn the TV on/off more easily?
- Think about small ways you can add assistive tech to your environment and daily tools.
Check out some of these links for new DIYers:
- 30+ Hacks for Using Cabinet Bumpers and Anti-Slip Pads As A Powerful AT Tool Around The Home
- Built Up Handles
- Long Handled Devices
- No Sew Universal Cuff
The DIY Therapist Is Here To Help
The tutorials on The DIY Therapist provide ideas for how to make your own assistive tech. Customize the tutorials based on your own needs or as recommended by your therapist. Discuss with your rehabilitation therapist how to best use any type of AT you have, DIY or not. If you have questions regarding how to make a specific project or have feedback for how to make the tutorial better for others, please contact me to let me know. Of course, if you have project suggestions or would just like to say hello, I’d love to hear from you!
Conclusion: Accessible Possibilities
- Accessibility
- Enhance independence in activities of daily living
- Conserve energy
- Save time
- Enhance positive social impacts
- Increase participation
Low-tech AT doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be made at home with upcycled and repurposed materials, and with the help of the supportive tutorials here at The DIY Therapist. Customize it based on your own needs and recommendations by your rehabilitation team.
This article is the first installment of an Assistive Technology series. Make sure to sign up for The DIY Newsletter so you don’t miss an article!
Looking For More Support Aids?
Check out my curated list of favorite occupational therapy products. Click the button below to see the full list.
Resources
- World Health Organization’s (WHO, 2022) Global Report on Assistive Technology
- Assistive Products Market Report by AT Scale Global Partnership for AT and Clinton Health Access Initiative
- AT Scale Global Partnership For AT
- Clinton Health Access Initiative
- Medicare.org Durable Medical Equipment Coverage
- The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on Assistive Technology
- The United Nations UN News report on ” Assistive Technology: A Life Changer For Those Most In Need”
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