Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is a broad term that describes items, systems and services that support the needs of people with disabilities. Assistive technology is also known as adaptive technology or special needs technology.

Definitions[edit | edit source]

In the United States, federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) includes definitions for assistive technology device and assistive technology service:

Assistive Technology Device

Assistive Technology Service

Implementation[edit | edit source]

Although these American definitions apply to the educational implementation of assistive technology (AT), AT could be used in other circumstances and by individuals or professionals outside the education system:

Vocational rehabilitation
Health care providers
Mobility / transportation
Recreation / sport
Libraries / museums
Accessibility / universal design
Communication applications
Performance / instructional venues

Professional Certification[edit | edit source]

Some colleges, universities and associations offer assistive technology courses, programs or credentials:

The University of Illinois at Chicago flexible 12-credit Assistive Technology Certificate Program (UIC ATCP) can be completed entirely online. The UIC Assistive Technology Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Education.(www.uicatu.org)

The Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) is offered through California State University, Northridge (CSUN ATACP)

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) offers three different certification programs: Assistive Technology Practitioner; Assistive Technology Supplier; and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist. RESNA 'sister organizations' include: The Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe; The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of Japan; Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association

Conferences[edit | edit source]

Calendar of Events in Disability, Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology

Online Training, Videos and Tutorials[edit | edit source]