What is Assistive Technology?

Digital Assistive Technology is an umbrella term that includes any device, software or system used to support an individual who has some form of special educational need or disability; it includes specialist equipment like braille devices, as well as free or low-cost accessibility software such as dictation tools.

With so much assistive technology available, we have categorized products into the four key SEND areas (Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Sensory and/or Physical Needs, Social Emotional and Mental Health) below to make this easier for school staff to navigate and match specific needs. You will also find a separate area for technologies which enables access to hardware and software.

In Education it’s worth considering the Universal Design for Learning Assistive Technologies are an excellent way to deliver this model, giving teachers quick and effective methods to provide multiple ways of; Representation, Action & Expression, and Engagement (which are UDL’s three main principles).

Microsoft, Google, Apple and many other companies now build accessibility options into their platforms, creating more and more inclusive technologies which benefits all of us but also can provide additional support for pupils that need that little extra help with their learning. You can find out more about these technologies on our Inclusive Technology page.

Teaching Assistant with a child using assistive technology to support their learning
Communication and Interaction
Cognition and Learning

Communication and Interaction

> Hardware, software, websites & apps

Cognition and Learning

> Hardware, software, websites & apps

Sensory and/or Physical Needs
Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Sensory and/or Physical Needs

> Hardware, software, websites & apps

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

> Hardware, software, websites and apps