The past, present and future of assistive technology
Historically, assistive technologies have been either standalone products or hardware and/or software that bolt on to mainstream products to provide access and ease of use for specific user groups.
With the developments in technology, and particularly web-based technologies over the past ten years, the capability to integrate many of the key features that assistive technology (AT) provides in mainstream products is now a possibility and in some instances a reality.
The AT marketplace is still dominated by task and/or disability specific products and services, as although technology moves quickly, there is also a learning curve for end users and AT professionals alike and the move towards more inclusive mainstream products will take time.
In addition to this, as the internet was created to be open and inclusive, there are many people creating AT products and services for free or at a lower cost than traditional AT products.
We believe that the internet provides plenty of opportunities for disabled people that were never available to them before. We do not support or promote one particular technology over another. We believe that there is room for all AT vendors however they choose to market their products and services, as long as there is choice and affordability.
Further Reading
- Services pages
- Technology
- Information and advice
