What Is Assistive Technology & Why It Matters
Part 1 of a 3-part series for World Assistive Technology Day
Ever used subtitles on a noisy train? Or asked your smart speaker to turn off the lights? That’s assistive technology in action, designed to help people complete everyday tasks with more ease, independence, and dignity.
A woman with grey hair tied back sits on a bench near a city bus stop. She is wearing a light denim jacket over a leopard-print top and rust-colored pants. Around her neck is the Sixth Sense wearable device, designed to support people with visual impairments. She holds a white cane in her hands. In the background, a green and yellow double-decker bus is driving away, with a tree and a bus shelter visible along the sidewalk. The scene is bright and sunlit.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) refers to any item, device, or system that supports people in performing everyday activities. This can include everything from prescription glasses and hearing aids to a talking rice cooker that lets you know when your food is ready.
AT isn’t limited to high-tech tools. It can be as simple as a walking cane or as advanced as a wearable device that provides real-time environmental feedback. It’s about making life more navigable for those with disabilities and often, it ends up improving access for everyone.
What Types of Assistive Technology Exist?
AT comes in many forms. Some examples include:
Braille keyboards and tablets
Screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver
Magnifiers and digital readers
Text-to-speech or speech-to-text software
Smart home systems with voice control
Despite these options, accessibility and usability can vary widely. Disability is an individual experience, and the same AT setup may not work for two different people. The key is flexibility, customisation, and thoughtful design.
Do You Have to Be Tech-Savvy to Use AT?
Not at all. While early adopters and tech enthusiasts may embrace emerging AT solutions faster, even people who identify as “non-techy” agree on the essentials: good AT needs to be reliable, robust, and easy to use. The best tools don’t just work, they work for you, in the context of your daily life.
Who Needs Assistive Technology?
Right now, over 2.5 billion people around the world need at least one form of assistive technology. By 2050, this number will likely rise to 3.5 billion. That includes older adults, people with permanent or temporary disabilities, and those recovering from injury or illness.
Without timely access to AT, more than 30% of the global population may be unable to meet their most basic needs like education, employment, communication, or mobility. That’s why assistive technology isn’t a luxury. It’s a right and a key driver of global inclusion.
"Without improving access to assistive technology, it will be impossible for governments to meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals."
— Unlock the Everyday
How Do People Access Assistive Tech?
Accessing AT isn’t always straightforward. People often have to navigate multiple layers:
Insurance and healthcare coverage
Government schemes like Access to Work
Nonprofits and support organisations
Out-of-pocket purchases
Even small details can impact adoption, like whether the packaging includes braille or large print, if instructions are written in plain language, or whether customer support is accessible and responsive. People consider whether the purchase includes training, ongoing support, and affordable upgrades over time.
Why Do People Prefer Certain AT Over Others?
Because accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. The same tool can feel empowering for one person and frustrating for another. Personal factors like environment, dexterity, comfort, and lifestyle shape how well a tool works for someone. The best AT listens to those needs.
Support systems like caregivers, family members, or peer groups often play a major role in how successfully someone integrates AT into daily life. Community is part of the solution.
Free Tools You Can Use Today
Here are some free or built-in AT tools you can explore right now:
NVDA screen reader (Windows)
VoiceOver and Spoken Content (iOS/macOS)
TalkBack (Android)
Accessibility shortcuts in smartphone settings
Contrast settings, zoom, text size, and speech dictation, which you can activate in the settings on most modern devices
Why This Matters Now
On June 4th, the world marks World Day for Assistive Technology, a moment to spotlight the importance of AT and the role it plays in enabling people to live, learn, work, and participate fully in society.
While assistive technology supports people everywhere, access is still unequal. In many low- and middle-income countries, the gap is especially stark. Raising awareness is a first step. Changing systems comes next.
This series is our small contribution: unpacking what AT really is, how people use it, and why design and distribution must be more inclusive. Whether you're new to assistive tech or have used it all your life, there's a shared goal: ensuring more people can access the tools they need, when they need them.
Where Does the Sixth Sense Fit In?
At Hope Tech, we’re building the Sixth Sense, a wearable assistive technology designed to help visually impaired people walk freely and navigate the world with more confidence. It’s made to be simple, dependable, and something you can integrate into daily life, just like the best AT should be.
