Assistive Technology Continuum

There has been a wealth of information I have provided to this blog, and I think it is important to come back to the foundation of assistive technology and define it again.

So, assistive technology is made up of devices and services. In regards to the device, the device is any item, piece of equipment, or product that can be acquired modified or customized to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

All in all, it is impossible to put a numerical label on how many assistive technology devices are available. It is impossible to do. But what educators, parents, and informed citizens can do is begin to appropriately categorize and classify assistive technology devices. This classification process has led assistive technology pioneers to create what is known at the assistive technology continuum. 

Assistive technology operates on a continuum and ranges from low tech to high tech.  Considerations of assistive technology for students should be done by assessing through the continuum, i.e. from low tech through high-tech. Assistive technology is an extremely personalized method of accommodating to an individual's needs and its success is engrained in the philosophy of educated and personalized modifications.

Reference:
 Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
               Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education Inc.