Assistive Technology Awareness Day

March 27th is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the funtional capabilities of people with disabilities and older adults. AT can be low-tech: communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt. AT can be high-tech: special purpose computers. AT can include hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems and positioning devices. AT can include computer hardware: special switches, keyboards and pointing devices. AT can include computer software: screen readers and myriad communiation programs. AT can include: inclusive learning materials and specialised curricular software. AT can include much more: electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and head trackers, and many other specialised devices. That’s why even though many of the things TADSA makes will become commercially available we remain an important part of the Assistive Technology Service ecosystem because we continue to provide a service that directly assists a person with a disability or an older adult in the selection, acquisition or customisation of an assistive technology device.  Assistive Technology awareness is not just a day of observation – it is everyone’s future. Every day we are challenged to discover new ways to enable individuals to find their voice, live independently or just help someone live their best life with the implementation of our progressive forward moving, and exciting world of assistive technology. To our Technical Volunteers, you are the epitomy of people, passion, purpose and progress. Happy AT Awareness Day!!