Assistive technology is any tool, device, or software that helps people with disabilities learn and succeed in school and in daily life. These tools can make a real difference in how they feel about learning and help them do their best work. Whether you or someone you know struggles with reading, writing, staying organized, or communicating, there are technologies available that can help!
Assistive technology is any tool that helps a person learn and complete tasks, sometimes regardless of if they have a disability or not. In fact, assistive tech can be utilized by anyone to make every day tasks much easier and more pleasurable to do. There are many different types of assistive technology. Some are physical tech, like special keyboards or switches to help those with physical disabilities to control devices and appliances. Others could be software or apps on computers and tablets to support those with cognitive disabilities. Many assistive technologies are free or low cost, and many have free trials so you can try them before buying! The goal of assistive technology is simple: to give everyone a fair chance to learn.
Text-to-speech technology reads words out loud. When say, a student uses text-to-speech, they can listen to their textbooks, assignments, and reading materials instead of reading them by themselves. It works like having a personal audio book. Text-to-speech is especially helpful for people who have trouble with reading. Instead of spending all their energy trying to decode words, they can focus on understanding the meaning of what they’re reading. This helps them learn the actual lesson instead of getting stuck on the reading part.
Text-to-speech tools are available in many places. Some are built into computers and tablets – like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Others are special apps you can download or are already available on your computer such as Apple’s Text-To-Speech feature. Many of these tools let you highlight important parts, take notes, and even create playlists of things to listen to later. If you struggle with reading, get tired quickly when reading, or have trouble understanding what you’re reading, text-to-speech might be a helpful tool to try.
Speech recognition technology, also called speech-to-text, does the opposite of text-to-speech. Instead of reading words out loud, it listens to you talk and turns your words into text on the screen. Tools like Google Gemini’s in-chat speech-to-text feature is great for people who find writing difficult. Instead of typing or writing by hand, they can simply talk, and their words appear on the computer or phone. Some people find this much faster and easier than typing. It can help them get their ideas down quickly without worrying about spelling or typing speed.
Speech recognition technology learns the words and phrases people use most often. Over time, it gets better at understanding exactly what the person is saying, even when they say difficult words or proper names. Speech recognition is helpful for people who have trouble with fine motor skills, people who think faster than they can type, or anyone who finds typing tiring or painful. Many people find they can write more, write better, and feel more confident about their writing when they use this technology.
Organization is a big challenge for many. Keeping track of assignments, due dates, notes, and schedules can feel overwhelming. Organization assistive technology tools help you manage all of this information in one place. Digital organization tools can send reminders about projects or tasks. They can help you see what’s due when and break big projects into smaller steps. Some tools let you take notes in different ways – typing, recording voice notes, or drawing. Others help you create to-do lists and check off completed tasks.
Having everything organized in one place makes a huge difference. People can spend less time looking for lost documents or resources and more time actually doing the work. They feel less stressed and more confident about keeping up with school, work, or daily life. There are many free organization tools available, including Google Calendar, Todoist, and Notion. Your school or employer may also have its own digital platform or programs to support your success.
If you think you might benefit from assistive technology, here are some first steps to take:
Talk to your school/employer: Let your teacher or manager know about any challenges you’re facing. Many establishments have assistive technology available through special programs.
Start with what’s free: Many devices and computers come with built-in accessibility features. Explore what’s already available before buying anything new.
Try before you buy: Most assistive technology tools offer free trials. Try different tools to see what works best for you.
Give it time: Learning to use new technology takes practice. It’s normal if it feels strange at first. Give yourself time to get used to the tool!
Get support: Teachers and support staff can help you learn to use assistive technology effectively.
At Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation, we believe assistive technology is an important part of supporting those with disabilities to succeed in life. As you get ready to graduate high school or move on to post-secondary education, the support doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re heading to college, starting a career, or trying to improve the quality of your life, assistive technology will continue to be important and extremely useful. Everyone deserves the tools and support they need to learn, grow, and succeed – both in school and beyond.
Contact us today to learn more about how CPLF can support your success.
*This article is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
More Helpful Posts
Learn about DCT eligibility and how to apply in this easy to follow
Follow our helpful guide to confidently step toward achieving your career goals, no
Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation
Suite #100, 1935 32nd Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C8
Phone: (403) 276-1016
Email: info@cplf.ca
Sign up for our monthly CPLF newsletter to always know about our fun events and important updates.
