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What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology includes devices and services that help people enjoy full inclusion and integration into home and community environments. It helps people gain and maintain independence at home and in the community. Glossary of Terms Below is a brief glossary of terms to help you understand the devices used in the presentations and resources available.
Find More Definitions Here.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). Independence in activities of daily living is based on an evaluation of the independence of individuals in bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring, continence, and feeding.

Advanced Organizer. A written agenda, presentation outline or list of discussion topics in advance. Although this can often be done as you speak, it is helpful to audience members who may have learning difficulties to have the schedule in hand.

Assistive Technology. Any device or service that helps an individual gain or maintain independence.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Systems to compensate for an expressive communication disorder. An AAC system may be a book with pictures and symbols, a picture board, chart, or electronic device.

Auxiliary Aids. Methods of making oral presentations available to individuals with hearing impairments (i.e., qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription, written materials, assistive listening devices, closed captions). Methods for making visual presentations available to individuals with visual impairments include taped text, readers, audio recordings, and Braille materials.

Blind. Having no vision at all; total vision loss.

Deaf. Having no hearing at all; total hearing loss.

Discount Store. Stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Fred Meyer, Ace Hardware, Shop-Ko, and Kings

Dressing. Putting on clothing, socks, shoes, etc.

Eating. Preparation of meals including cooking, eating, cleaning up utensils, dishes, etc.

Electronic Store. Stores such as Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, K-Mart, and Shop-Ko.

Glossary. One page summary of the vocabulary and acronyms you expect to use in a presentation or discussion. If possible, a transcript of the material to be covered should be provided.

Grooming. Includes hair care, washing or bathing, and dental hygiene.

Hard of hearing. Partial hearing loss; some hearing is accomplished by using a hearing aid or some other device.

Hardware/Lumber Store. Stores such as Anderson Lumber, Ernst, and Ace Hardware, etc.

High Technology AAC. Devices capable of producing only a few seconds or minutes with prerecorded speech. Others are more powerful with high quality synthesized speech, a virtually limitless vocabulary, multiple input modes, a built-in printer, and/or compatibility with various types of computers.

Homemaking. All of the activities associated with the care and maintenance of a home.

Independence. The right of all persons, regardless of age, type or extent of disability to: live in the community as opposed to living in an institution.

Interpreter. Can assist the individual in a meeting by translating his/her message to the group or vice-versa.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL's). Independence in activities of daily living is based on an evaluation of the independence of individuals in meal preparation, housework, laundry, shopping, taking medicine, getting around outside, transportation, money management, and use of the telephone.

Low Technology AAC. With this type of system, a consumer uses pictures displayed on a board or in a notebook to communicate with others. Obviously, this approach requires substantial training for both the consumer and the person with whom they wish to communicate. However, it is easily adaptable to changes in communication needs; it is not subject to equipment failure. It can be adapted for a variety of environments.

Low vision or visually impaired. Partial vision loss; vision is enhanced through the use of eye glasses or magnifying devices.

Mobility. The ability to move around from place to place.

Reasonable Accommodation. Modifications or adjustments made to an environment, to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential duties. Adjustment or adaptation, making it possible for an employee with a disability to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Recreation or leisure. Any activity designed to help a person relax; these can be indoor or outdoor activities.

Relay Service. Allows telephone communication for individuals with speech and/or hearing disabilities. This service is available to customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Either text telephone customers or voice customers may initiate calls. Calls handled by the relay service are strictly confidential.

Text Telephone, (TTY). These devices look like small electronic typewriters and use standard telephone lines to send and receive information. The incoming and outgoing text is printed out, or shown, on a built-in LCD (liquid crystal display) screen.
Find More Definitions Here

Uatpat.org - The Utah Assistive Technology Program is designed to help you know what assistive technology is available, how to get funding for assistive technology, and to provide you with links and resources.

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AT Manual What Is AT Mandate for Accessibility Community Resources AT Devices		What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology includes devices and services that help people enjoy full inclusion and integration into home and community environments. It helps people gain and maintain independence at home and in the community. Glossary of Terms Below is a brief glossary of terms to help you understand the devices used in the presentations and resources available. Find More Definitions Here. Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). Independence in activities of daily living is based on an evaluation of the independence of individuals in bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring, continence, and feeding. Advanced Organizer. A written agenda, presentation outline or list of discussion topics in advance. Although this can often be done as you speak, it is helpful to audience members who may have learning difficulties to have the schedule in hand. Assistive Technology. Any device or service that helps an individual gain or maintain independence. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Systems to compensate for an expressive communication disorder. An AAC system may be a book with pictures and symbols, a picture board, chart, or electronic device. Auxiliary Aids. Methods of making oral presentations available to individuals with hearing impairments (i.e., qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription, written materials, assistive listening devices, closed captions). Methods for making visual presentations available to individuals with visual impairments include taped text, readers, audio recordings, and Braille materials. Blind. Having no vision at all; total vision loss. Deaf. Having no hearing at all; total hearing loss. Discount Store. Stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Fred Meyer, Ace Hardware, Shop-Ko, and Kings Dressing. Putting on clothing, socks, shoes, etc. Eating. Preparation of meals including cooking, eating, cleaning up utensils, dishes, etc. Electronic Store. Stores such as Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, K-Mart, and Shop-Ko. Glossary. One page summary of the vocabulary and acronyms you expect to use in a presentation or discussion. If possible, a transcript of the material to be covered should be provided. Grooming. Includes hair care, washing or bathing, and dental hygiene. Hard of hearing. Partial hearing loss; some hearing is accomplished by using a hearing aid or some other device. Hardware/Lumber Store. Stores such as Anderson Lumber, Ernst, and Ace Hardware, etc. High Technology AAC. Devices capable of producing only a few seconds or minutes with prerecorded speech. Others are more powerful with high quality synthesized speech, a virtually limitless vocabulary, multiple input modes, a built-in printer, and/or compatibility with various types of computers. Homemaking. All of the activities associated with the care and maintenance of a home. Independence. The right of all persons, regardless of age, type or extent of disability to: live in the community as opposed to living in an institution. Interpreter. Can assist the individual in a meeting by translating his/her message to the group or vice-versa. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL's). Independence in activities of daily living is based on an evaluation of the independence of individuals in meal preparation, housework, laundry, shopping, taking medicine, getting around outside, transportation, money management, and use of the telephone. Low Technology AAC. With this type of system, a consumer uses pictures displayed on a board or in a notebook to communicate with others. Obviously, this approach requires substantial training for both the consumer and the person with whom they wish to communicate. However, it is easily adaptable to changes in communication needs; it is not subject to equipment failure. It can be adapted for a variety of environments. Low vision or visually impaired. Partial vision loss; vision is enhanced through the use of eye glasses or magnifying devices. Mobility. The ability to move around from place to place. Reasonable Accommodation. Modifications or adjustments made to an environment, to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential duties. Adjustment or adaptation, making it possible for an employee with a disability to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment. Recreation or leisure. Any activity designed to help a person relax; these can be indoor or outdoor activities. Relay Service. Allows telephone communication for individuals with speech and/or hearing disabilities. This service is available to customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Either text telephone customers or voice customers may initiate calls. Calls handled by the relay service are strictly confidential. Text Telephone, (TTY). These devices look like small electronic typewriters and use standard telephone lines to send and receive information. The incoming and outgoing text is printed out, or shown, on a built-in LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. Find More Definitions Here
		Uatpat.org - The Utah Assistive Technology Program is designed to help you know what assistive technology is available, how to get funding for assistive technology, and to provide you with links and resources.