Definition
- Assistive technology:
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A broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices that address the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities (Cook and Polgar 2008)
- Assistive technology device:
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“Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (Assistive Technology Act of 2004)
- Assistive technology service:
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“Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device” (Assistive Technology Act of 2004)
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC):
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One type of assistive technology that specifically focuses on the strategies, interventions, and supports that assist a person with a disability to communicate
Historical Background
In 1988 the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (1988),...
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Nevers, M. (2020). Augmentative and Assistive Technology. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_761-3
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