Frequently Asked Questions > AT & AAC > What is AT? Is it different from AAC?
AT stands for Assistive Technology. Any item (equipment, software, product, system), commercially available or specially adapted/created, that helps a person with a disability to participate in activities and complete everyday tasks 
(i.e. daily living tasks, education, work, recreation) is assistive technology. I have poor vision, so I use AT everyday in the form of glasses/contact lenses. If you break your leg, assistive technology you use could include crutches, a wheelchair, or even the remote control. Assistive technology is anything that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AT includes both products and services to help people with difficulties including: speaking, typing, writing, remembering, bathing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking…
Examples of AT devices include:
wheelchairs
walkers, canes, and walking sticks
leg braces
lifts and ramps
Velcro
adapted clothing and toys
computers
pencil grips
seating systems
eye gaze and head pointing systems
powered mobility
mounting systems
augmentative-alternative communication devices
paper communication boards
special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices
assisted listening devices and special typing telephones
screen readers
visual aids
memory prosthetics
specialized learning materials, curriculum aids and specialized software
and thousands of other items and services.
Assistive technology is critical for the person using it. I cannot begin to imagine how hard it would be to get through the day without my glasses/contact lenses!
AAC falls under the umbrella of AT. AAC (augmentative-alternative communication) is narrower in scope, focusing specifically on communication. AT (assistive technology) is broader, including any supports needed to participate in and complete daily activities/tasks. Read more about AAC here.
Every state has a State Assistive Technology Act Program funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act (1998). Find a link to your state's program here. In Washinton State, the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) is operated out of the University of Washington and provides "information to family members, employers, employment service providers, educators, health care providers, social service providers and others seeking assistive technology services and knowledge." Services include device demonstrations and trials. Assistive technology services are also available to any student (preschool through age 21) and their families through the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) administered by Central Washington University. Services must be accessed through the school district serving the student.
Last updated on October 4, 2014 by Vlinder CT PLLC