Assistive Technology, Devices, and Aids

Assistive technology is any service, product or device that promotes greater independence by assisting people perform activities that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to accomplish. These can be related to mobility, vision, hearing, communication, memory, eating, personal care, or safety. 

 

Often people face a challenge and are not aware of what products may exist to make their lives better. Each one of us has different needs and preferences so there is not a "one size fits all" solution.  Think about the things that are difficult for your loved one or for you as a caregiver to complete on a daily basis and then look for a solution. It can be overwhelming to do this research, but we are here to help guide you.  Below are some examples.

 

Magnifiers are devices that assist people with low vision to perform daily activities by magnifying or enhancing vision. There is a wide range of devices available. 

 

Video Calling Devices such as GrandPad,  Amazon Echo, and Nest Hub are specifically designed to simplify video calls for those who have difficulty with Facetime, Skype or Zoom.

 

Screen Reading and Text-to-Speech tools take text and read it aloud. 

• Tablets and phones have an option already installed. Apple uses VoiceOver and TalkBack is on Android.

• Speechify, WebAnywhere, ChromeVox, and NVDA for Windows are additional screen reader programs.

• ZoomText is a screen magnifier that also vocalizes the text.

• The C-Pen and Scanmarker Air Pen are portable text-to-speech pens used to read aloud.

 

Adaptive Keyboards and Mice such as large print keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, and roller mice

can be of great assistance to those with vision or dexterity issues. 

 

Tremor Devices include utensils, computer aids, writing devices, orthotics, clothing, weighted holders, and u-shaped toothbrushes and assist people with tremors manage daily activities. 

 

Other devices and aids that can assist people with maintaining independence and improving safety include:

• Dressing Aids to help with buttons, socks and shoes

• Bathing Aids such as shower chairs, grab bars, and long-handled brushes

• Mobility Aids for transferring and lifting or using the stairs 

• Adaptive Clothing that is easier to put on and take off

• Eating Utensils and Cooking Aids such as weighted or angled utensils and plate guards

• Big Button and Captioned Telephones for people with vision or hearing impairments 

• GPS Trackers and Wander-Alert Devices help locate individuals or alert of attempts to wander  

• Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection automatically contact the medical alert company when there is a fall

 

Smart Home devices such as those listed below, can be used to improve safety at home. 

• Video, Vibrating and Extra Loud Doorbells

• Smart Thermostats

• Smart Locks

• Smart Lights

• Smart Outlets and Plugs

• Automatic Stove Shut-Off Systems

• Smart Smoke Detectors

 

If there is a task that has become difficult to complete, it is worth exploring how assistive technology can help.