Assistive Technology
Overview of Select Assistive Technology
Image of Overview of Select Assistive Technology handout:
| Type | Function/Examples | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar | track and organize tasks | |
| Highlighter | identification of key concepts, memory and retention | |
| Door Pull | open door using rope, ribbon, tied to doorknob | |
| Amplified Phone/TTY | amplifies or converts speech to text | Relay services are available to persons wanting to call a TTY-user. |
| Augmentative Comm. | enhancement of communication via FM, pictures, speech output, tactile representation | May require additional participation, cooperation from others to be effective. |
| Alerting Devices | signals deaf/hard of hearing person that sound is present via vibrations or flashing lights | |
| Mouse Alternatives | track ball, touch pad, pointer stick | |
| Keyboard Alternatives | on-screen, touch screen, one-hand | |
| Screen Readers | access screen via voice or touch, JAWS, Window-Eyes, Braille N Speak | Requires additional hardware such as voice synthesizer or Braille keypad. |
| Screen Magnifiers | magnifies and enhances select screen features, Zoomtext, built-in | |
| Text to Speech | used for augmentative communication or to translate printed material to speech, Kurzweil, Ureader | Requires additional hardware such as scanner, voice synthesizer. |
| Voice Recognition | alternative to use of keyboard and/or mouse, user speaks keyboard and mouse commands, Dragon Naturally Speaking, iListen | Requires user to “train” computer or device to recognize words. |
| Word Prediction | computer “anticipates” what user will write or say | Requires user to “train” computer or device. |
| Personal Organizers | track schedule, memory enhancement | |
| CD Player/Recorder | record and listen to books, notes |
Download a plain text version of the Overview of Select Assistive Technology handout.
