What is assistive technology?
Many people with physical impairments or learning disabilities use computers in different ways. Some of them use assistive technologies to do so. This depends on their individual needs and preferences.
Assistive technology (AT) describes:
- devices
- equipment
- software
And all of these can help disabled people live more independently. Whether it’s in their education, work or daily lives.
Assistive technology examples
Assistive technologies include:
- screen readers
- adaptive keyboards
- alternative input devices
- braille displays
- screen magnifiers
But assistive technologies can also include equipment like mobility aids, walkers and wheelchairs.
It’s important that web developers and designers learn how assistive technologies work. Doing so can help create a better user experience for the people using them.
With that in mind, we explain some of the most common assisted technologies people use to:
- access computers at home
- use computers in the workplace
- navigate the web
Different types of assistive technology devices
Adaptive keyboards
A modified keyboard designed for someone with an access need. There are many types of adaptive keyboards to help with different access needs.
For motor impairments
There are many types of keyboard for people with limited dexterity or motor control.
Some keyboards have raised areas between the keys instead of lower areas. This allows a person to place their hands on the keyboard before finding the correct key. Pressing these keys requires a more deliberate action from the user.
The Maltron expanded keyboard is a good example. Its large surface area makes it easier to use for people with muscle control impairments. For example if you have cerebral palsy. The raised metal key guard helps the user avoid accidental keystrokes and typos.
For visual impairments
High contrast keyboards help visually impaired and low vision users differentiate the keys.
Adaptive keyboards sometimes come with word-completion software. This helps speed up the typing process and reduces the number of keystrokes.
Some people may prefer a keyboard overlay instead. This is a plastic sheet with specific keys or functions marked out in different colours. Some overlays use symbols or pictures to make a standard keyboard more accessible.
Alternative input devices
Not everyone uses a mouse and keyboard to operate a computer. Alternative input devices give people with mobility impairments different options. Allowing people to use a computer in a way that works best for them. This could be by using their feet, mouth, eye, breath, thumb, or a single finger.
These devices are sometimes activated by motion tracking. But some use nerve or muscle signals, optical tracking and even brain activity.
Most alternative input devices work with an on-screen keyboard, wordboard or pictogram interface.
Some examples of alternative input devices include:
Head pointers
A stick, stylus or object mounted to the head. This allows the wearer to interact with a computer interface.
Single switch entry devices
A button which performs an action when hit, sending a signal to the computer. They often look like large, round colourful buttons.
You can customise the switch to perform any action you want it to. Some people may use multiple switches to perform different functions. Multiple switch setups are popular in the video gaming community.
Foot switches
Foot switches work in a similar way to single switch devices. But instead of buttons, they look like pedals.
Sip-and-puff switches
A device that allows the user to operate a computer by inhaling and exhaling small breaths of air. The sip and puff device is connected to a computer interface that scans the screen.
When the part of the screen the user wants to interact with comes into focus, they can ‘click’ on the area by breathing in or out. (Depending on how they choose to customise it).
You can see how a sip and puff switch works for Jared, who has cerebral palsy, in the video below.
Eye-tracking software
Eye-tracking software follows the movement of the eyes. This allows the user to navigate through web pages and type on a custom screen.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool
A range of tools and methods to help people who are non-verbal or struggle with speech. It enhances effective communication.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication methods can include:
- signs and gestures
- electronic systems
Electronic systems may use simple word boards or picture boards.
One of the most famous examples of an AAC system is the device Stephen Hawking used to communicate.
Different types of ACC device include voice output communication aids (VOCAs). These are also called speech-generating devices (SGDs). Both machines produce synthesised speech to help people who are non-verbal.
You can see how Elle who has cerebral palsy, uses a Dynavox AAC device to communicate in the video below.
Braille display
A refreshable, tactile braille display converts digital text on the screen into braille. They’re normally connected to a computer, smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth or USB.
The device includes a braille keyboard as well as a QWERTY keyboard. Giving blind and visually impaired people the option to use either.
Braille notetaker
A small, portable, electronic device used for writing and reading information in braille. A braille notetaker uses both synthesised speech and a braille display. Blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired people use them to read, write and take notes.
Despite the name, braille notetakers do more than just convert information into braille. As well as offering access to the internet, email and a media player. Most notetakers also include applications like a calendar, clock and pdf reader.
Dictation software
Dictation software converts speech to text. It also carries out commands, like “press enter” or “delete that”. Dictation software is also called Speech-To-Text or voice recognition software.
The most popular dictation software is Dragon. It is now also available on many smartphones and tablets. Dictation software is widely used by people with motor impairments. But people with learning difficulties like dyslexia also benefit from them.
Electronic magnifiers
A device which magnifies text. There are various forms of electronic magnifiers which come in all different sizes.
Some electronic magnifiers have a camera system. It displays a magnified image on a monitor. This can be helpful for reading and carrying out everyday tasks.
Many electronic magnifiers allow the user to adjust the colour and screen mode. This is helpful for people with colour blindness, or sensitivity to glare.
Some electronic magnifiers are portable and hand-held, so they are easy to use on the go.
Optical Character Recognition software (OCR)
Optical Character Recognition software turns printed documents into digital text. OCR technology picks out individual:
- letters
- numbers
- special characters
And then turns these into text. OCR technology can work with scanned images and documents. It can also turn pdfs into word processor documents.
Digital text is a more accessible format than a handwritten note. Digital text is one of several formats that make printed information more accessible. (Others include large print, audio and braille.)
With digital text, the user can customise the text to read more comfortably. This is helpful for people with low vision who need to edit this digital text for further clarity. For example, enlarging and highlighting words. Or changing the colour of the text or background.
Screen magnification software
Magnification software increases the size of text, images or graphics on a screen. Screen magnification software also enlarges the cursor size too, so it’s easier to find on the screen. The user can then zoom in and out of the parts of the screen they need.
It can also emphasise a particular area, as well as invert colours.
Many devices come with a built-in magnifier. For example, the magnifier app on Windows, or magnification software on Mac and iOS. Other examples of magnification software include Windows Magnifier and Zoom on Macs.
Some of the software has both magnification and speech functionality. These include ZoomText Fusion and SuperNova.
Screen reader software
Screen readers read out loud everything that’s on the screen. Users tend to navigate web pages using shortcuts, like the ‘tab’ key.
They also work with braille display devices, to convert on-screen information into braille. They work with everyday applications, as well as some of the more complex ones.
Some popular screen readers include JAWS, VoiceOver (Apple), NVDA and Narrator (Windows).
Text to Speech Software (TTS)
Software that reads text out loud. Text to speech software is sometimes referred to as TTS, or ‘read aloud’ technology. It is available on most modern computer and mobile devices.
It turns text found in documents, webpages and emails into synthesised speech. Making them more accessible to people who are blind, visually impaired or dyslexic.
More assistive technology resources
Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations (AbilityNet)
Assistive Technology for writing (Understood.org)
Assistive Technology for reading (Understood.org)
How People with Disabilities Use the Web: Tools and Techniques
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