Assistive Technology For People With Disabilities
The only thing “disabling” about living with a disability is the inconvenience presented by things designed to suit the needs of most people. If you are in a wheelchair, a long flight of stairs presents a challenge. By removing barriers to access-for example by building wheelchair ramps-it’s possible to minimize the inconvenience for people with disabilities. While ramps are no new invention, there are numerous technologies that can be used to aid the disabled.
Assistive technologies are applications of modern technology to make it easier for people with disabilities to live their lives independently and with confidence. The first law specifically advocating the development of assistive technology is the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. Since then numerous laws have been passed to expand the use of assistive technologies and support their development.
