Definitions (as in US Laws):

• Assistive Technology: Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

• Assistive Technology Service: Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.

Characterization of Assistive Technology :

• Aim of AT:

  • Helps individual carry out functional activity

• "Rehabilitative" or "educational" technologies:

  • tool to enable skill acquisition, rehabilitative/remediation

• AT as "Appliance" vs "Tool"

  • Appliance: provides benefits in the individual independent of skill level

    • ex: splint, seating system, keyguard

  • Tool: require development of skill for their use 

    • ex: reacher, wheelchair controller, crutches 

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