According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AT is a generic term encompassing all systems and services related to the use of assistive products and the performance of services (WHO, 2001). In the U.S., it is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or system that increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of people with disabilities.

• Examples include wheelchairs, prostheses, braces, communicators, and telecommunication services. It also encompasses equipment and services for accessing information, such as for seeing, hearing, reading, and writing.
• AT aims to increase a person’s capabilities to balance out the effects of any disability and provide alternative ways to approach tasks.