Disability Assistive Electronic Devices and Software

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 17 Jul 2026

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics

Synopsis

At a Glance

• 1 - Screen reader programs such as JAWS or HAL convert on-screen text and icons into speech, letting people who are completely blind operate a computer without ever looking at the monitor.
• 2 - The Pererro is a plug and play adapter for iOS devices that pairs Apple's built-in VoiceOver feature with a basic switch, opening touch screen technology to users who previously could not access it.
• 3 - Electronic pointing devices can control the on-screen cursor with no use of the hands at all, relying on inputs like ultrasound, infrared beams, eye movements, nerve signals, or even brain waves.

Topic Definition

Assistive Computer Technology

Assistive computer technology refers to any hardware, software, or specialized equipment adapted to make computers usable for people with sensory, physical, or learning disabilities. Closely tied to the broader idea of computer accessibility, which aims to make a computer system usable by everyone regardless of impairment, it works by offering alternatives to the standard keyboard, mouse, and monitor that many users cannot rely on. In practice this covers a wide range of tools, from screen readers and screen magnification software to optical character recognition, voice recognition and dictation, augmentative communication systems, adapted or on-screen keyboards, and alternative input devices like sip-and-puff controls, trackballs, head wands, touch screens, and electronic pointing devices. Most major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and UNIX, now build accessibility utilities directly into the platform, and legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the UK Disabilities Discrimination Act, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act has pushed this technology forward, helping people with disabilities work, learn, and communicate independently at school, at home, and on the job.

About This Section

What is Assistive or Adaptive Computer Technology?

Assistive Computer Technology is any piece of equipment that is customized to make life easier for a person who has a disability. In human-computer interaction, computer accessibility (also known as accessible computing) refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability or severity of impairment, examples include web accessibility guidelines.

Challenges

Many people with disabilities face a variety of challenges in terms of providing computer input, interpreting output and reading documentation. For persons with disabilities, the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are of prime concern, so adaptive hardware and software have been developed to provide alternatives. The personal computer (PC) can be the backbone of independence for millions of individuals with sensory, physical, and learning disabilities.

Screen reader programs such as JAWS or HAL are designed to allow even completely blind people to use the computer. They convert the text and icons to speech, so one can use a computer without needing to see the monitor.

Accessible computer equipment and PC access aids can make it easier for computer users to use word-processing programs, surf the Internet, and send email, but they can also help non-computer users handle many non-computer tasks.

Any system that aids individuals who are not independent verbal communicators is known as an augmentative communication system. The system can include speech, gestures, sign language, symbols, synthesized speech, dedicated communication aids or microcomputers.

Examples of Assistive Computer Technology Include:

• Optical character recognition (OCR) software systems are used to scan printed materials directly into the PC to accommodate many types of disabilities.
• Screen readers are software programs that provide either speech or Braille output, and are commonly employed by persons who are blind or visually impaired.
• Non-assistive computer programs like electronic mail and instant messaging empower individuals with hearing-related impairments to communicate over the Internet.
• Magnification software enlarges text and graphics displayed on PC monitors. Magnification programs are widely used by persons with poor vision or who have difficulty reading.

Common Keyboard Input Modifications Include:

• Adapted keyboards,
• On-screen keyboards,
• Alternative communication programs,
• Voice recognition.
• Typing shortcuts or Hot Keys

Voice recognition and dictation systems are powerful assistive technologies that allow persons with disabilities to control a computer and dictate documents verbally using spoken commands.

Most computer vendors support persons with disabilities by incorporating accessibility utilities into operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, and UNIX. PCs equipped with assistive technology permit individuals to function independently at school, work, and home, and allow access to great quantities of information from diverse sources such as compact disks, networks, electronic mail, instant messaging, the World Wide Web, and other Internet resources.

Facts Regarding Assistive Technology Electronic Devices

Assistive technology may attempt to improve the ergonomics of the devices themselves, such as Dvorak and other alternative keyboard layouts, which offer more ergonomic layouts of the keys. Assistive technology devices have been created to enable people with disabilities to use modern touch screen mobile computers such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The Pererro is a plug and play adapter for iOS devices which uses the built-in Apple VoiceOver feature with a basic switch. This brings touch screen technology to those who were previously unable to use it.

Alternative input devices allow individuals to control their computers through means other than a standard keyboard or pointing device. Examples include:

• Sip-and-puff systems: Activated by inhaling or exhaling.
• Joysticks: Manipulated manually, feet, chin, etc. and used to control the cursor on screen.
• Trackballs: Movable balls on top of a base that can be used to move the cursor on screen.
• Wands and sticks: Worn on the head, held in the mouth or strapped to the chin and used to press keys on the keyboard
• Alternative keyboards: Featuring larger- or smaller-than-standard keys or keyboards, alternative key configurations, and keyboards for use with one hand.
• Electronic pointing devices: Used to control the cursor on the screen without use of hands. Devices used include ultrasound, infrared beams, eye movements, nerve signals, or brain waves.
• Touch screens: Allow direct selection or activation of the computer by touching the screen, making it easier to select an option directly rather than through a mouse movement or keyboard. Touch screens are either built into the computer monitor or can be added onto a computer monitor.

Legislation

Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States and the Disabilities Discrimination Act in the United Kingdom are fostering development of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in the United States is helping to make the World Wide Web more accessible as well.

Before a person can use a computer, they need to get within effective proximity of the workstation. Aisles, doorways, and building entrances must be wheelchair-accessible. Other resources, such as telephones, restrooms, and reference areas, should be accessible as well. Don't overlook a simple barrier, such as a single step or a narrow doorway. Work with architectural accessibility experts to also ensure physical accessibility to equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does assistive computer technology typically cost?

Costs vary widely, ranging from free built-in operating system accessibility tools to specialized hardware and premium screen readers that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so many users combine free utilities with a few targeted paid devices to match their needs and budget.

Is assistive technology covered by insurance or funding programs?

In many regions, assistive computer technology may be funded through health insurance, government disability programs, vocational rehabilitation services, or educational support, though coverage depends on documentation of medical need, so it is worth checking eligibility with the relevant agency or provider.

Can I use assistive software with my existing computer?

Most assistive software is designed to run on standard Windows, macOS, or Linux computers, and many accessibility utilities are already built into these systems, so users can often start with existing hardware and add specialized devices or programs only where extra support is required.

How do I set up accessibility features on a new device?

Modern devices include an accessibility section in their settings menu where you can enable screen readers, magnification, voice control, and keyboard adjustments, and following the on-screen setup guides or manufacturer tutorials makes configuring these features straightforward for most users.

Do I need training to use assistive computer technology effectively?

While many tools are designed to be intuitive, some devices such as screen readers or voice recognition systems have a learning curve, so training from an occupational therapist, assistive technology specialist, or online tutorial can help users reach their full potential more quickly.

How do I choose the right assistive device for my needs?

Choosing the right device depends on your specific vision, hearing, physical, or learning needs, so it helps to consult an assistive technology assessment, trial different tools where possible, and seek guidance from professionals or disability organizations before making a purchase.

Is assistive technology compatible across different operating systems?

Compatibility varies, as some assistive tools work across Windows, macOS, and Linux while others are platform specific, so it is important to confirm that a device or program supports your operating system and preferred applications before relying on it daily.

Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026