Types of Assistive Devices

Examples of assistive technologies and how they are used:

• Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices.
• Hearing aids to help people hear or hear more clearly.
• Cognitive aids, including computer or electrical assistive devices, to help people with memory, attention, or other challenges in their thinking skills.
• Computer software and hardware, such as voice recognition programs, screen readers, and screen enlargement applications, to help people with mobility and sensory impairments use computers and mobile devices.
• Tools such as automatic page-turners, book holders, and adapted pencil grips to help learners with disabilities participate in educational activities.
• Closed captioning to allow people with hearing problems to watch movies, television programs, and other digital media.
• Physical modifications in the built environment, including ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways to enable access to buildings, businesses, and workplaces.
• Lightweight, high-performance mobility devices that enable persons with disabilities to play sports and be physically active.
• Adaptive switches and utensils to allow those with limited motor skills to eat, play games, and accomplish other activities.
• Devices and features of devices to help perform tasks such as cooking, dressing, and grooming; specialized handles and grips, devices that extend reach, and lights on telephones and doorbells are a few examples.

For more information about types of assistive devices, check out the following resources:

• The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders provides detailed information on Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders.
• PBS "Move to Include" provides examples of assistive devices for people who need assistance to produce or comprehend spoken or written language.
• The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has information about available assistive technology to help people with impaired mobility or other disabilities drive motor vehicles.
• The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America describes standards for different types of assistive technology on its website