National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, and this year's theme says it all: "Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone." Assistive technology, or AT, is more common than most people think. It is woven into our everyday lives, and it benefits people of all ages and abilities.

AT Is More Than You Think

When most people hear "assistive technology," they think of wheelchairs or screen readers. Those are important examples, but the world of AT is so much more.

AT is any tool, device, or system that helps a person increase, maintain, or improve what they can do. That includes your smartphone, the smart speaker on your kitchen counter, the tablet your child uses at school, and the wearable device tracking your heart rate. It includes remote monitoring systems and sensors that make homes smarter and safer.

AT can be low-tech, like a simple grip aid to open a jar or a magnifier for small print. It can be high-tech, like a speech communication device controlled by eye movement or captioning software that makes video calls accessible. And sometimes, the most powerful AT is not specialized at all. Sometimes, it's mainstream technology used in a way that meets a person's needs.

Why "Everyone"?

Nearly every person will either need AT at some point in their life or know someone who does. Many people are already using AT without realizing it. Have you ever turned on closed captions in a noisy restaurant? Have you used voice-to-text to send a message while your hands were full? Have you pinched your phone screen to zoom in on small text? That is AT in action.

AT helps support independence at every stage of life. For young children, it can mean early intervention communication tools that give them a voice before they can speak. For students, it can mean learning supports that help them thrive in the classroom. For working adults, it can involve workplace accommodations that keep careers on track. And for older adults, it can mean the technologies that make safely aging in place possible.

AT also serves people with temporary injuries, those managing intermittent conditions, individuals with progressive disabilities, people aging into new challenges, and many people who don't belong to any of those groups. The need for AT does not discriminate, and neither should access to AT.

Awareness in Advance

We need to build awareness now so everyone knows about AT before they need it. No one should struggle to complete daily tasks, participate in school, or stay in their own home simply because they did not know a solution existed. When people learn about AT early, they can act quickly when the time comes. Through hands-on exploration and individualized guidance from AT professionals, you can learn about, try, and compare a wide range of devices and services. AT programs provide unique access to devices, including durable medical equipment and home and vehicle modifications, ensuring individuals can make informed choices tailored to their goals and environments.

Find an AT Act program where you liveto learn more about what AT can do for you and your family.

A Smart Investment

Beyond changing individual lives, AT also makes strong financial sense. In fiscal year 2025, 56 states and territories received a total $30.7 million in Assistive Technology Act grants from ACL. That investment yielded over $87 million in savings and benefits for individuals across the country - a nearly triple return on every dollar invested.

A Day to Celebrate

National AT Awareness Day is a celebration of innovation and independence. It is a reminder that the tools people need to live full and connected lives are out there and should be within reach for everyone.

Please take a moment to spread the word. Talk to a friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member about AT. Because it really is everywhere, and it truly is for everyone!