What is AT? Assistive Technology (AT) is any object, device or tool used to make life easier.

Specifically, Assistive Technology is any device, gadget, hardware or software used by a person with a disability to do things for themselves that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do because of their disability.

Assistive Technology helps people with disabilities live, work, learn and play as independently as possible. AT includes low-tech items like a reacher or a magnifying glass and high-tech equipment like tablet apps, or systems that allow you to control your computer with your eyes. For communication, learning, playing, to getting around and also living and working, chances are there is an AT solution for you if you have difficulty with a task or two.

That being said, some AT solutions can be expensive, which has led people to come up with their own ideas. In fact, there are a lot of creative, inventive  and successful AT projects which cost practically nothing, or very little.  Some examples of this DIY AT might be using common household objects like duct tape, thread, paper clips or chip clips.  Or, some of it is created by using easy to purchase and inexpensive equipment like pvc piping, foam, plastic boards, wires, and wood blocks, among other things.

Check out our Pinterest Page on DIY AT by clicking here.

Also check out this large group of higher-tech gadgets from Instructables of DIY AT.

Or these examples of homemade AT from Okalahoma Asssitive Technology Center.

Also, check out this woman’s AT inventions and story. Zebreda Dunham was recently awarded 1st Place Prize in the 2015 RESNA DIY (Do It Yourself) Contest! Way to go Zebreda!

What clever and inventive AT have you seen or used?  Share it with us in the comment box below!