Innovative Assistive Technologies: Enhancing Independence for People with Disabilities

It’s safe to say that most of us use some kind of assistive technology (AT) daily. Remote control devices make it easier to turn on the television. Cell phones navigate us to the library. Even a wheelbarrow is a form of assistive technology, helping us to move heavy items from one place to another without breaking our backs. All of these things make daily tasks easier to complete.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is a tool or device that helps people accomplish daily independent living skills and activities. At ALSO, one of our many services is to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in acquiring and using assistive technology.

AT sometimes involves electronic equipment or computer software that’s complex and expensive. It can also involve relatively low tech adaptive equipment or assistive devices, such as a walking cane, or a long-handled reacher.

The Importance of Assistive Technologies

AT breaks down barriers to equal access that those with disabilities can encounter at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Thus, it plays a major role in equitable community living and full community inclusion.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has this to say about AT:

“[It is] a life-changer – it opens the door to education for children with impairments, employment, and social interaction for adults…and an independent life of dignity…”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: The Benefits of Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities

Categories of Assistive Technologies

There’s a huge amount of assistive technology devices available to people with disabilities (including older adults), and new technology is being continuously developed. Furthermore, AT may be considered a medical device and partially or fully covered by insurance. Let’s check out some of these major categories of AT devices.

Mobility Aids

We’re likely more familiar with mobility aids for those with physical disabilities. This form of adaptive equipment helps people get from one place to another and includes wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and electric scooters.

Mobility aids also include anything that helps someone move more independently, making activities of daily living and other tasks easier, such as:

• Orthopedic supports
• Assistance animals
• Car modifications

Have you thought of how an accessible playground can be considered a mobility aid? Check out this directory of accessible playgrounds in Oregon.

Communication Tools

Thanks to continuous high tech innovations, people with disabilities in communication can function at school and at work alongside their peers without disabilities. Just a few of them are:

• Voice recognition software
• Text-to-speech options
• Integration of American Sign Language into video conferencing

Vision Assistance

There are several recently developed tools available for people living with visual impairments.

• Screen readers that use voice settings that assist people with low vision
• Smartphone apps that assist people with crossing crosswalks.
• Prism glasses that assist people with severe tunnel vision.

Hearing Aids

Advanced hearing aid technology allows for the following improvements:

• Directional microphones that focus on sounds coming from specific directions
• Automatic adjustments that change as environmental conditions change.
• Advanced connectivity that allows people to connect wirelessly to cell phones and smart home devices.

Although we often think of those who need hearing aids as older people, research has documented an extensive prevalence of hearing impairments in those with I/DD. Fortunately, the staff at ALSO regularly advocates for regular hearing evaluations for the people we support.

Cognitive Support

People with cognitive and intellectual disabilities may have trouble with memory, distractibility, staying organized, and/or expressing thoughts/emotions. Cognitive ability tools have been used successfully at home and in the workplace.

• Smartwatches that set reminders for meetings, homework, etc.
• Talking calculators for people who have trouble working with numbers
• Graphic organizers that assist individuals with staying on task

How do Assistive Technologies Enhance Independence for People with Disabilities?

Assistive technology and related services are a vital way to promote autonomy, choice, and enhance overall quality of life. AT helps people with disabilities complete tasks on their own. Therefore, an AT device that appropriately meets individual needs is not just a piece of equipment that makes ‘life a little easier.’ Instead, AT is a vital way to enhance self-determination, self-advocacy, and independence. Thanks to so many innovations in AT (and many dedicated disability advocates), competitive employment, equal opportunity in education, and accessible housing is a reality for people with disabilities.

An Often-Overlooked Benefit of Assistive Technology

Dr. Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO reminds us that as we support the widespread adoption of assistive technology for people with disabilities, we also support society as a whole by:

• Promoting a more productive workforce
• Decreasing government costs for healthcare and welfare support
• Stimulating economic growth

Disability Support Services at ALSO

For over 25 years, ALSO has been providing support services for people with I/DD throughout Oregon. This includes advocacy and facilitation of assistive technology services. We work tirelessly with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers to meet the individual needs with person-centered care. We’ve seen how comprehensive assistive technology assessments, along with follow-up training and support have transformed lives and positively impacted families, caregivers and communities.

Learn more about our disability support services today!

Sources:

1.  Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity (ALSO). The benefits of assistive technology for people with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X_Fk0avcRY. Accessed January 20, 2025.
2. World Health Organization [WHO]. Almost one billion children and adults with disabilities and older persons in need of assistive technology denied access, according to new report.  https://www.who.int/news/item/16-05-2022-almost-one-billion-children-and-adults-with-disabilities-and-older-persons-in-need-of-assistive-technology-denied-access–according-to-new-report. Accessed January 20, 2025. [quote from paragraph 3].
3. Health Direct. Mobility aids. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mobility-aids. Accessed January 21, 2025.
4. Let Kids Play. Oregon: Accessible Playground Directory. https://www.accessibleplayground.net/playground-directory/?cn-s=&cn-cat=53. Accessed January 21, 2025.
5. Saig, E. Ways to make communication more accessible for disabled individuals. August 22, 2023. Disabilitease. https://disabilitease.com/ways-make-communication-accessible-disabled-individuals/. Accessed January 21, 2025.
6. National Eye Institute. Five innovations harness new technologies for people with visual impairment, blindness. February 3, 2017. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/five-innovations-harness-new-technologies-people-visual-impairment-blindness. Accessed January 21, 2025.
7. University of Washington Speech and Hearing Sciences. Hearing aid technology. https://sphsc.washington.edu/hearing-aid-technology. Accessed January 21, 2025.
8.  Danyluk A, Jacob R. Hearing Loss Diagnosis and Management in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Adv Med. 2023;2023:6825476. Published 2023 May 21. doi:10.1155/2023/6825476
9. Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity (ALSO). The benefits of assistive technology for people with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X_Fk0avcRY. Accessed January 20, 2025.
10.  World Health Organization [WHO]. Almost one billion children and adults with disabilities and older persons in need of assistive technology denied access, according to new report.  https://www.who.int/news/item/16-05-2022-almost-one-billion-children-and-adults-with-disabilities-and-older-persons-in-need-of-assistive-technology-denied-access–according-to-new-report. Accessed January 20, 2025.