Unleashing the potential of tech and devices to include one and all

The disabled and the elderly face unique challenges in our society, especially when it comes to accessing education, employment opportunities, and daily activities. AT has the potential to empower these individuals with the tools they need to overcome barriers and reach their full potential

- Ashok Pandey

In the 1980s, the term “Assistive technology (AT)” was coined in the United States by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). The term was introduced as a way to describe technology that could be used to support individuals with disabilities and help them overcome barriers to communication, mobility, learning, and daily living.

The introduction of the term “assistive technology” marked a shift in the way that technology was being used to support individuals with disabilities. Prior to the introduction of this term, technology was often seen as a tool for rehabilitation, rather than a means of enabling individuals with disabilities to live more independently and achieve their full potential.

The term “assistive technology” has since become widely used around the world and has helped to raise awareness about the role that technology can play in supporting individuals with disabilities. Today, assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products and services that support individuals with disabilities and help them to overcome barriers to communication, mobility, learning, and daily living.

Assistive Technology Vs Adaptive Technology

Assistive technology and adaptive technology are related concepts but have distinct differences.

Assistive technology refers to any device, software, or system that is designed to support individuals with disabilities and improve their functional capabilities. Examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, speech recognition software, and adapted keyboards.