Assistive Technology for Disability Services

Assistive Technology, or AT, is a blanket term for devices, equipment, and systems that help individuals with physical or developmental disabilities. AT devices can be something like a wheelchair or special-purpose computer, but most people already have an AT device in their pocket; a smartphone.  

What is Assistive Technology? 

The term assistive technology (AT) can be applied to any item, equipment, software, or specific product that enhances the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability.  

There are several items—both high and low tech—that fall under the umbrella of AT. Low tech items are things like sensory boards and colorful schedules, while high tech items can be special-purpose computers and specific computer hardware. 

However, most people don’t realize that the phone in their pocket can be a great item for AT. Most smartphones offer free apps that can be used to help parents, caregivers, and individuals receiving care. The types of AT apps people can download on their phone range from programs that help with the activities of daily living to enrichment and educational tools.  

Assistive Technology Available on Apple/iOS and Android Devices 

iPhone and Android offer a number of free apps that can be used for AT. They range in type and functionality. Before you download any apps, it’s important to check with your child’s care team to ensure that the app will be helpful for their journey. 

Our favorite free AT apps for iPhone, iOS, and Android are: 

• TapTapSee: The TapTapSee app is an AI powered app that allows someone to take a picture, then the app audibly describes what the picture is. This can be used for anyone with visual impairments.  
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Ava: This app uses AI to create live captioning in any environment. Ava can be used to create live captions during conversations, in classrooms, and in work environments. It boasts 90% accuracy and 24/7 accessibility. The app is free to download. 
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Wheelmap: Wheelmap is a free app that locates wheelchair accessible places. Users can share accessible places and update or add any listings. 
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Weave Chat AAC: This free app helps users with communication. AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication; with this app, children and adults who struggle with communication can use word blocks to create full sentences and even have the app read the sentences or word sequences aloud. Weave Chat enables users to create a board with words and phrases they use, then users put words and phrases together visually to create full thoughts and sentences that can be shared. The app is free and available on both Apple and Android devices. 
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Goally: Goally is a visual scheduling app that helps children with autism create daily routines. This app helps children with autism by building a predictable schedule that children can rely on for creating a sense of calm and supporting executive function. The visually appealing app is free on Apple and Android devices.  
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame: This free app is from the creators of Sesame Street and helps children with emotional regulation by identifying their feelings and then working to solve the problem. Children are given a Sesame Street friend and tasked with helping their friend stay calm and resolve everyday challenges. Breathe, Think, Do helps children learn emotional vocabulary and techniques to regulate strong emotions. 
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   

Technology and Apps for Caregivers 

When it comes to AT, there are apps that help parents and caregivers as well. Parents and caregivers have a different set of challenges than others, we want to make sure they are supported as well on the care journey for their loved one. 

Here are some of our favorite apps for parents and caregivers: 

• Medisafe Medication Management: This app works as a medication reminder and management tool. The app offers medication reminder notifications, drug interaction checker, and progress reports.  
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   
• Autism Tracker Lite: This app helps families explore everything that has to do with autism. Autism Tracker offers data tracking in mood, behavior, food, and health monitoring; allowing parents and caregivers to track a child’s journey with autism. It helps parents and caregivers track patterns in their children and can help relay information to case managers, therapists, and anyone else on a child’s care team. The lite version is free, but there is a pro version available for $9.99. Unfortunately, this app is only available on Apple devices. 
  Download on Apple 
   
• Insight Timer: Caring for another person is a huge undertaking. Far too often, parents and caregivers neglect their mental health to focus on their child or client. Insight Timer is a great app to help stressed parents and caregivers make time for meditation and guide them in prioritizing their mental health. Insight Timer is free and available on Apple and Android. 
  Download on Apple 
  Download on Android 
   

How to Choose the Right Apps 

When it comes to choosing the right apps for learning, it’s important to consult the child’s care management team before using any educational apps.  

The other thing to take into consideration is how your child interacts with the apps. If the app is overwhelming for them, or it’s something they don’t enjoy using, you can look for a similar app that has a better user experience. Our list is just a starting point for finding the right tools for your loved one. 

AT is something that should be used to enhance your life and the life of anyone receiving care. As technology advances, so does AT that’s easily available. Technology can be daunting, but having these tools at your fingertips can help enhance the care you provide.