How Assistive Technology Helps People with Disabilities

Assistive technology has made significant strides in helping people with disabilities. Here are 10 tools that are improving their lives in 2025.

For many individuals, living with a disability can be a challenge. Accessibility barriers can affect all aspects of personal life, from daily activities to work and learning.

While society has made progress in understanding and accommodating these barriers, there is still much work to be done. One area that has made notable breakthroughs is the development of assistive technology tools.

These technological tools enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, enabling them to overcome structural barriers in their environments. Let’s explore some examples of assistive technology and the top tools expected to help those with disabilities in 2025 and beyond.

Different Types of Assistive Technology Tools

Here are several high-tech and low-tech assistive technologies that make life easier for people with disabilities and others:

1. Braille Displays
   Braille displays help visually impaired individuals read by converting digital text into Braille characters. This technology significantly improves reading experiences for those with visual impairments.
2. Speech Recognition Software
   This type of software assists people with reading disabilities in writing and editing documents more easily. By dictating text, they can overcome writing barriers and produce high-quality work.
3. Screen Readers
   Screen readers read digital text aloud for visually impaired individuals, helping them access information on mobile devices and computers.
4. Magnifiers
   Magnifiers assist individuals with low vision in viewing small text and images. They can be used on printed materials and can also be realized through digital devices.
5. Graphic Organizers
   These low-tech tools help individuals with ADHD organize their thoughts, helping them focus and present ideas clearly.
6. Timers
   Timers help individuals with autism manage time and maintain pace for tasks. They can serve as portable devices or smartphone applications.
7. Alternative Keyboards
   These keyboards provide typing assistance for people with motor disabilities and can be customized to meet user needs.
8. Hearing Aids
   Hearing aids are popular devices that help individuals with hearing impairments hear sounds in their environment, significantly improving their quality of life.
9. Smart Glasses
   These glasses provide real-time navigational information for wheelchair users, allowing them to move safely in their environment.
10. Text-to-Speech Software
    This software helps individuals with learning or vision disabilities access information through text-to-speech conversion, enhancing information accessibility.

Yomer and Text-to-Speech

Yomer is a customizable and affordable text-to-speech software that enables individuals with disabilities to easily access digital text. It provides a personalized reading experience and is convenient for multi-device use.

Yomer offers a free trial, assisting various groups with disabilities, including those with reading disabilities, mathematical disabilities, vision impairments, and more, in obtaining this powerful assistive technology tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What assistive technologies can people with disabilities use?
  Various assistive technology devices can help individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life, from screen readers to hearing aids.
• What are assistive technology devices or tools?
  These are any products or systems designed to enhance or improve the functionality of individuals with disabilities.
• What is the difference between assistive technology and adaptive technology?
  Assistive technology is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, while adaptive technology can be broadly applied and customized.
• What is the Assistive Technology Act?
  This is a law that supports the promotion of assistive devices and services for individuals with disabilities.
• What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
  An IEP is a tailored educational plan for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate educational services.