Assistive Technology

Assistive technology includes tools that help individuals overcome challenges and access learning, work, and daily activities. Aligned with WCAG standards, academic technology ranges from screen readers and captioning to braille devices, adaptive keyboards, mobility aids, and accessible STEM tools.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) refers to tools that help people work around challenges. These tools make everyday tasks at school, home, office, and more accessible. The tools are devices and equipment used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of persons experiencing challenges. They are designed and developed in accordance with the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). A variety of assistive technology tools are available for individuals with different needs. More common examples can include hearing aids, glasses, wheelchairs, crutches, tablets, electronic braille devices, closed captioning, and descriptive language.

Common Types of Assistive Technology

  • Screen Readers: Microsoft Narrator, NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver  
  • Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software: Read & Write, Kurzweil 3000, NaturalReader
  • Speech-to-Text (Dictation) Software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Google Voice Typing
  • Screen Magnification Software  ZoomText, Windows Magnifier
  • Alternative Keyboards & Mice: Adaptive keyboards, ergonomic mice, eye-tracking devices
  • Braille Displays & Embossers:  Refreshable Braille displays, BrailleNote Touch
  • Hearing Assistance Technology: Microphones, FM systems, real-time captioning, hearing loops
  • Closed Captioning & Transcription Services:  Otter.ai, YouTube auto-captions, YuJa, Zoom
  • Digitized Notetaking Tools: Livescribe Smartpen, OneNote with audio recording
  • Mind-Mapping (visual representation) & Organization Software: Inspiration, MindMeister
  • Alternative Communication Devices:  AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Pocket Go-Talk, MegaBee, Roloquo2Go
  • Ergonomic & Adaptive Seating: Standing desks, adjustable chairs for physical disabilities
  • Math and STEM Support: Scientific calculators with speech output, accessible graphing calculators, MathTalk 

Best Practices

  • Assistive technology provides tools that can increase the availability of opportunities for education, social interactions, and potential for meaningful employment. These tools also support student, faculty, and staff participation in a variety of learning experiences.
  • Learn more about Ally, focusing on ensuring all of the course content scores high on accessibility (90-100%). When the content scores high, students are able to download Alternative Formats to help them in reviewing the content.
  • Visit the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources for more information on student support.

Keywords:
Accessibility Checkers, UDL, disability, assistive technology, vision, hearing 
Doc ID:
114412
Owned by:
Sharley K. in NDSU IT Knowledge Base
Created:
2021-10-20
Updated:
2025-12-11
Sites:
NDSU IT Knowledge Base