Assistive Technology Tools

Assistive Technology Tools
Assistive Technology Tools South Africa

Friday 29 November 2013

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Assistive Technology is an umbrella term used to describe technology that is used to empower people with varying abilities to live, work and study on an equal playing field.

INCLUSIVITY AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Assistive Technology helps students with a wide spectrum of disabilities and/or learning difficulties including dyslexia, visual impairments, hearing impairments, mobility impairments and learning in a second language. With a significant number of learners with a learning difficulty and/or disability, Assistive Technology delivers greater inclusivity in the education and working environments by empowering individuals to achieve their true potential.
The competitive advantage individuals, schools, colleges, universities and businesses can develop and sustain through the application of Assistive Technology can be significant. There is a vast spectrum of technologies that cater to individuals, specific groups and an entire base regardless of learning difficulties and/or disabilities. These technologies are designed for individuals to access and achieve their true potential.

IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE DISABILITIES?

No. Assistive Technology is used by a spectrum of people. Many AT products are applied in ways that can act as a disability tool and/or as a productivity tool. An example of this would be mind mapping software. This software is often recommended for individuals who have learning difficulties such as dyslexia who could find it difficult to study or work effectively without it.  However, it is also widely used by other individuals as a productivity tool.