Find answers to your frequently asked questions about assistive technology. Duke's Assistive Technology Program provides patients with the resources they need to clearly communicate.

Who benefits from assistive technology?

You may benefit from assistive technology (AT) if:

• You have significant difficulty being understood because of speech deficits.
• Your speech is declining and you find that people are beginning to have difficulty understanding you.
• You are unable to communicate over the phone because of speech and/or physical deficits.
• You are limited in your use of a computer because of physical limitations.
• You are limited in your control of your environment (such as using the television, radio, or other appliances) because of physical limitations.

What are the benefits of using assistive technology?

Assistive technology provides a means of maintaining or improving functional capabilities through use of:

• Tools
• Strategies
• Software
• Devices

Although assistive technology cannot change the fact that there is a problem, it can help manage the problem so that interacting with the environment is successful.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is any item or system that is used to preserve, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. AT comes in a variety of forms.

• "High-technology" is complex technology and usually includes a computer and associated software.
• "Low-technology," such as a voice amplifier or recording device, is electronic but does not include highly sophisticated computer components.
• "No-technology" includes non-electronic tools, such as a letter, phrase, or picture board.