Overview of Assistive Technology

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Video Runtime: 52 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 31 Minutes

This course provides an introduction to assistive technology (AT) and its critical role in supporting individuals with disabilities across various life domains. Participants will explore definitions of AT, the wide continuum of available tools, and the importance of matching technology to individual needs. Through the lens of conceptual models and evidence-based practices, the course emphasizes how to assess, select, and implement AT to enhance participation in meaningful activities such as communication, education, mobility, and social engagement. Designed for occupational therapists, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and other allied health providers, this course is relevant across healthcare, educational, and community-based settings. By the end of the course, learners will understand not only what AT is but how to effectively apply it to promote independence and improve quality of life for individuals with diverse abilities.

Learning Outcomes

Define assistive technology as it pertains to individuals with disabilities
Highlight processes for determining appropriate assistive technology for individuals with disabilities
List four characteristics to consider when evaluating assistive technology options for individuals with disabilities
Identify characteristics of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech assistive technologies
Conclude how assistive technology can support engagement in meaningful activities such as communication, mobility, and social interaction

Meet your instructor

A woman with curly hair and glasses stands against a white background, representing modern healthcare education at medbridge.

Donna Case

Donna Case, PhD, OTL, began her work with assistive technology more than 40 years ago when working with adults with significant multiple disabilities who had been removed from Michigan’s state institutions. She received a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University to facilitate her…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. What Is Assistive Technology?

This chapter introduces the foundational definitions of assistive technology, ranging from conceptual to federally recognized descriptions. Learners will explore the broad spectrum of AT, including structural modifications, material adjustments, and everyday tools, with emphasis on how these technologies enhance function for individuals with disabilities. Understanding these distinctions lays the groundwork for identifying effective interventions in practice.

2. The Efficacy of Assistive Technology and the Assistive Technology Continuum

This chapter reviews theoretical frameworks and real-world data supporting the impact of assistive technology on functional outcomes. The discussion includes the Barris model, WHO’s ICF framework, and occupational therapy practice models that emphasize the interaction between the individual and environment. Efficacy studies illustrate significant improvements in independence, productivity, and social participation across the lifespan when AT is appropriately implemented.

3. Determining Appropriate Technology and Levels of Assistive Technology

In this chapter, learners are introduced to models for clinical reasoning and decision-making in assistive technology selection, including the SETT framework. The process emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual, environment, tasks, and tools to ensure person-centered outcomes. The chapter also clarifies the differences among no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions, helping providers determine the most appropriate and effective interventions.

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