Assistive Technology Basics
This term refers to any device or software used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive Technology
This level of assistive technology includes pencil grips, handheld magnifiers, and reachers
Low‑tech assistive technology
This system of raised dots allows individuals who are blind or low-vision to read and write through touch.
Braille
This federal law requires equal access and is a major reason institutions implement assistive technology.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Talking calculators and audiobooks are examples of this level of assistive technology
mid‑tech assistive technology
This software, such as JAWS or VoiceOver, converts on-screen text into synthesized speech or Braille output.
Screen reader
These tools support access without batteries, software, or digital components.
Low‑tech
This tactile peripheral allows a computer user to feel a series of pins that move up and down to represent text in real-time.
Refreshable Braille Display
This concept focuses on removing barriers so people with disabilities can participate at the same level as their peers.
Inclusion
Devices such as refreshable braille displays and tablets configured with accessibility apps are examples of this level.
High‑tech
These devices use a camera to snap a photo of printed text and instantly read it aloud to the user.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)