What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative technologies such as devices, equipment, apps, and software solutions to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AT is known to promote greater independence by enabling individuals to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish or could not accomplish without great difficulty. It has become a personal preference and often becomes personal equipment that an individual will use not only in the educational environment but throughout their career and daily life to improve access to all environments.
Talk with a disability specialist or request an AT demo!
SDS is here to discuss your needs and experiences and demonstrate a range of AT tools to students, faculty, or staff looking to use AT themselves or with students in the classroom. Demonstrations cover how AT works and how it can accommodate users.
AT used at UMBC
- Text-to-speech
- Speech-to-text
- Screen magnification
- Audio recording (devices & software)
- Rocketbook
- IPEVO V4K USB document camera
- IPEVO mirror-cam
AT tutorials
- Learn about Glean: The personal study tool
- Learn about Capti Voice: A personalized reading support solution
- Introduction to Text-to-Speech
- Learn about Claro: Essay writing helper
Free/low-cost AT apps
- Reading & literacy support
- Writing support
- Note-taking support
- Dictation/speech-to-text/speech recognition
- Mind mapping & brainstorming support
- Study skills & aids
- Organization & task management support
- Time management & distraction-free support
- Research tools
- Stress management and relaxation
- Vision
- Hearing and auditory support
- Communication
- Built-in accessibility
- Georgia Tech “Tools for Life” assistive technology advanced search tool
In addition to AT at SDS, the AOK Library offers an AT workroom available for use by persons with disabilities. For a list of AT resources available at the library, please see AOK Library Assistive Technology.
SDS works closely with students and the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) to customize and implement AT. We recommend that students familiarize themselves with the DoIT student resources website.
For more information about AT, please get in touch with disAbility@umbc.edu.