Assistive technology is a broad term that describes items, systems and services that support the needs of people with disabilities. Assistive technology is also known as adaptive technology or special needs technology.
In the United States, federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) includes definitions for assistive technology device and assistive technology service:
Assistive Technology Device
Assistive Technology Service
Although these American definitions apply to the educational implementation of assistive technology (AT), AT could be used in other circumstances and by individuals or professionals outside the education system:
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Health care providers
- Mobility / transportation
- Recreation / sport
- Libraries / museums
- Accessibility / universal design
- Communication applications
- Performance / instructional venues
Some colleges, universities and associations offer assistive technology courses, programs or credentials:
- The University of Illinois at Chicago flexible 12-credit Assistive Technology Certificate Program (UIC ATCP) can be completed entirely online. The UIC Assistive Technology Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Education.(www.uicatu.org)
- The Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) is offered through California State University, Northridge (CSUN ATACP)
- Noura 17:58, 14 May 2008 (UTC)NouraRaslan
- Paulmartin42 09:52, 17 May 2008 (UTC)
- you ?