Assistive Technology Ad Hoc Committee

Assistive technology (AT) has had a significant impact on the rehabilitation and independence of persons with disabilities and chronic illness. Assistive technology devices include such products as wheelchairs and walkers, built-up handles on eating utensils, paging devices accessible to deaf persons, and so on. It is crucial that these products and the services that support their provision and use be made available to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan and educational/vocational careers. Another important consideration is that steps must be taken to ensure the best possible match of technology to the user of that technology and that consumers participate in a comprehensive assessment which emphasizes their needs and preferences. The Committee's members subscribe to a comprehensive, consumer-directed, and lifespan perspective to such matching. For a match to be good and enhance a user's independence, participation and quality of life, several key factors need to be taken into account:

1. Characteristics and Preferences of the Person
2. Functions and Features of Relevant Technologies
3. Physical and Psychosocial/attitudinal aspects of Environments of Use
4. The nature of the need for the technology emphasizing a person's strengths as well as functional weakness.

The Assistive Technology SIG invites anyone interested to join us in our efforts to enhance AT use by persons with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Workbook