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Assistive Technology

The term assistive technology encompasses a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., pencil grips, splints, paper stabilizers) to "high tech" (e.g., computers, voice synthesizers, braille readers). These devices include the entire range of supportive tools and equipment from adapted spoons to wheelchairs and computer systems for environmental control. Assistive technology certainly includes computers, but it also refers to a number of other types of accommodations and adaptations which enable individuals with disabilities to function more independently. Computers are an important type of assistive technology because they open up so many exciting possibilities for writing, speaking, finding information, or controlling an individual's environment. But computers are not the only avenues to solving problems through technology. There are many low tech (and low cost) solutions for problems that disabilities pose. Examples of inexpensive, low tech solutions include wrist splints, clip boards for holding papers steady, or velcro tabs to keep positioning pads in place.

 

 

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Accessibility in Microsoft Products
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Make your computer easier and more comfortable to use by taking advantage of the many accessibility features built into Microsoft products.

Windows Vista
Windows Vista logo

2007 Office System
Office 2003 logo
Internet Explorer 7
IE 7 logo

Accessibility in More Microsoft Products

Windows
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows Me
Windows 98
Windows 95/NT Workstation
Windows 3.x
AccessDOS
Productivity
Office 2007
Office 2003
FrontPage 2003
Office XP
Office 2000
Office 97
PhotoDraw 2000
Microsoft Reader
Internet
Internet Explorer 7
Internet Explorer 6
Internet Explorer 5
Internet Explorer 4
Internet Explorer 3
MSN Explorer
Encarta Online
NetMeeting
Keyboards and Mice
Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice with Magnifiers




Servers
SQL Server 7
BizTalk Server 2002




Development
UI Automation
Active Accessibility
Visual Studio 2005
Visual Basic 6.0
Visual C++
Visual FoxPro
Microsoft

More Information

Compare accessibility features in versions of Windows

Keyboard Shortcuts

Documentation in Accessible Formats

Technical Support

Guides by Impairment
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Photo of hands on computer keyboard

These guides organize information from this site into helpful resources for various types of difficulties and impairments. Each guide provides a list of assistive technology products and links to tutorials for accessibility features that are helpful for specific types of difficulties and impairments.

Guides available for:

 

Dragon Naturally Speaking - Reference & Help Guide

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Look for additional topics. If you have any questions, please contact Mike McKinley at 229.245.2498.