Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to devices that are used by people with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible for them to do. Assistive technology is defined in federal statutes as any item, piece of equipment, or product whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a person with disabilities. It was first defined in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act in 1988 (the Tech Act) and has been used in all subsequent laws passed that refer to assistive technology, including the re-authorization of the Technology Act as the Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act (AT Act), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Assistive Technology Resources

Visit the State Resources page for additional AT resources for states, districts, and families.

  • Opens new windowAssistive Technology Act
    The Assistive Technology Act as amended in Public Law 108-364 supports a program of grants to states to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.
  • Opens new windowAssistive Technology Programs
         The 56 AT Act program contacts are available at this web page.
  • The Opens new windowRESNA Catalyst Project
    is a project of RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and is funded by a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education. The RESNA Catalyst Project provides assistance to the AT Act Grantees to assist in increasing awareness, access, acquisition and advocacy to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for consumers with disabilities of all ages.

Last Updated: 06/08/2011