What is the difference between assistive and adaptive technology?

Technology is the collection of application developed from scientific knowledge and processes for a sensible purpose. Such as scientific investigation, building a useful device or tools, or producing goods and services, etc. Technology means the science of craft.

Assistive technology is a general form of technology that assists an individual to enhance daily living on their own (mainly for a disabled person).

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Assistive and Adaptive Technology, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

Likewise, adaptive technology is a type of assistive technology refers to the specialized edition of existing tools or device, usually altered for an individual with disabilities. In short, assistive and adapted technology are the two innovative application of technology designed for disabled people. Both help in performing essential functions independently, or even with assistance.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology is any kind of device, software that will help the people who are suffering from disabilities.

There are many different types of disabilities which can vary from person to person including self-care, hearing, vision, voice, developmental delay or ambulatory, etc. Mobility devices and sensory equipment are the best examples of assistive technology. For example, lightweight wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers. Others including:

• Computer software like voice recognition programs, screen readers, and screen enlargement applications.
• Hearing aids for the hearing impaired
• Book holders, automatic page-turners, and adapted pencil grips help in the educational field.
• And some kitchen implements, extendable reaching devices, special modifications like automatic door openers, grab bars, and wider doorways. Hence many other effortless devices help to improve accessibility in the disabled world.

Finding the Right Assistive Technology Device

There are multiple numbers of tools available in the market. Finding the right device can enhance kid performance.

The team of specialist and professionals will help you find out the right assistive technology device. The team may include your concerned doctor, audiologist specialist, occupational therapist, special education teachers and many more.

Adaptive Technology

As stated above, modification of existing tools for individuals with disabilities known as adaptive technology. In other words, it is the enhanced versions of the existing devices.

Adaptive Technology provides the appropriate device to visually impaired persons.  The person can independently access, operate and can perform all the actions which can be performed by the sighted people.

Some examples of adaptive technology are large print books, digitized text, large monitors, keyboards modifications and many more.

In many cases, adaptive technology relates to electronic or information technology access. As an illustration:

• Modified driving controls for vehicle and wheelchair vans
• Special telephone devices for the deaf
• Used handicapped vans
• Magnifier software for computers
• Sorenson touch mobile phone and teletypewriters (TTYs)
• And other mobility products

However, some technologies are completely assistive but many of them are both adaptive and assistive.

Moreover, assistive and adaptive technology has supported millions of people to gain independence and employment by keeping them in their comfort zone.