Assistive technology is an umbrella term that covers digital and non-digital products, along with their related systems and services (WHO, 2022). Traditional assistive devices include glasses, wheelchairs, and hearing aids. These technologies help disabled individuals participate in daily activities by removing barriers and enabling greater independence.
Modern digital examples include screen readers, which help blind and low-vision individuals access text in documents. Smartphone features offer alternative ways to interact with mobile apps for people with motor impairments. Caption services make audio content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Screen readers are essential assistive technologies for blind and low-vision users. Popular options include NVDA and JAWS on Windows, and VoiceOver on Apple devices (both desktop and mobile). These tools read digital content aloud, helping users navigate information efficiently. Users can interact with content in several ways: focus mode for form elements, a virtual cursor for static text, or features like VoiceOver's rotor to jump quickly between elements. Navigation is enhanced by jumping between headings and landmarks, which serve as signposts throughout a page.
Screen readers need proper semantic structure to work well. This means using clear heading hierarchies, writing descriptive alt text for images, labeling form inputs, and creating a logical focus order that matches the visual layout. Without these elements, screen reader users may struggle to understand the content, miss key information, or face a confusing experience.
Visual customization features let users adjust how content appears on screen to suit their needs. Color contrast and color themes help users distinguish between elements by adjusting the contrast ratio between text and background. Many operating systems and applications offer built-in themes that improve readability for users with low vision or color vision deficiencies.
Text size customization, zoom, and magnifiers allow users to enlarge content for easier reading. Browser zoom scales entire pages proportionally, while operating system magnifiers—like Windows Magnifier or macOS Zoom—can enlarge specific screen areas. These tools are essential for users with low vision who need larger text or interface elements to interact comfortably with digital content.
High contrast and dark mode settings offer alternative color schemes that reduce eye strain and improve readability. High contrast modes use stark color combinations to maximize the distinction between elements, benefiting users with low vision. Dark mode uses light text on dark backgrounds to reduce glare—often preferred by users with light sensitivity or certain visual conditions.
Several assistive technologies enable people with motor disabilities to interact with digital devices without using a traditional mouse or touchscreen. Keyboard-only interaction lets users navigate and control applications using keyboard keys—typically through Tab navigation, arrow keys, and keyboard shortcuts. This is essential for people who cannot use a mouse due to limited hand mobility or tremors.
Switch control and assistive touch provide alternative input methods for users with severe motor limitations. Switch control lets users navigate interfaces using one or more adaptive switches—physical buttons activated by any body part the user can reliably control, such as a finger, foot, or head. Assistive touch creates on-screen menus that simplify complex gestures, letting users perform multi-finger gestures or actions with a single tap.
Voice control and dictation enable hands-free interaction with devices through spoken commands. Voice control systems let users navigate interfaces, open applications, and activate controls using only their voice. Dictation converts spoken words into text for writing tasks. These technologies are essential for users with limited or no hand mobility, enabling them to interact with digital content independently.
Captions and transcripts make audio and video content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions display spoken dialogue and important sound information as synchronized text during video playback. Transcripts provide a complete text version that users can read at their own pace. Both formats are essential—captions let users follow along in real-time, while transcripts make content easier to search, reference, and review.
Hearing devices and Bluetooth integration let people with hearing loss connect their hearing aids or cochlear implants directly to phones and computers. Modern hearing devices stream audio wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing users to hear phone calls, music, and other content directly through their hearing aids. This integration improves sound quality, reduces background noise, and creates a more seamless listening experience.