About WVATS
Pathways To Funding For Adults and Seniors:
A Handbook for West Virginia's Residents
Section 1. What Is Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology?
An assistive technology device is any item or piece of equipment used to increase, keep, or improve a person's functional capabilities. These devices may be as simple as reading glasses or as complex as a talking personal computer.
An assistive technology service is any service that helps an individual select, get or learn to use an assistive technology device. These services include customizing, fitting, maintaining, and repairing devices, assistive technology assessments, funding, and technical assistance training on how to use assistive technology devices. Assistive technology can help older persons maintain or become more independent at home, work, and in their communities.
Assistive technology covers a wide range of products and services.
Categories of Assistive Technology
Aids for Daily Living - self help aids for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting, and home maintenance.
Augmentative Communication - electronic and non-electronic devices that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication for persons with limited speech.
Computer Applications - input and output devices (voice, Braille), alternative access aids (headsticks, light pointers), modified or alternative keyboards, switches, special software, and other devices that enable people with disabilities to use a computer.
Environmental Control Systems - primarily electronic systems that enable someone without mobility to control various devices such as appliances, electronic aids, and security systems in the home or other surroundings.
Home/Worksite Modifications - structural adaptations, fabrications in the home, worksite or other area (ramps, lifts, bathroom changes) that remove or reduce physical barriers.
Prosthetics and Orthotics - replacement, substitution or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids (splints, braces, etc.)
Seating and Positioning - accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system to provide greater body stability, trunk/head support and an upright posture, and reduction of pressure on the skin surface (cushions, contour seats, lumbar supports).
Aids for Vision/Hearing Impaired - aids such as magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print screen, hearing aids, TTYs and visual alerting systems.
Ambulation/Mobility Aids - manual and electric wheelchairs, mobile bases for custom chairs, walkers, three-wheel scooters, and other utility vehicles used for increasing personal mobility.
Vehicle Modification - adapting driving aids, hand controls, wheelchairs and other lifts, modified vans or other motor vehicles used for personal transportation.
Examples of Assistive Technology
Thermostat that features large numerals and raised temperature settings
Hands free page magnifier for reading books
Volume control attachment on the telephone to enable the user to adjust the sound level of the caller's voice.
Lever adapters can be clamped onto round door knobs, converting them into easier to use lever handles.
Handy knob and dial turner makes adjusting the controls on kitchen appliances easier.
A special accessory to open cartons, bags, and containers.
Grab bars make it easier to get in and out of the bath tub.
A range top with staggered burners and controls at the front eliminates the need to reach across hot burners.
