Technology: The Wave of the Future
- Anonymous
Rapid advances in technology offer nearly unlimited potential to improve the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities. Whether at home, school, work or play, technology is helping millions of people with disabilities become more independent and productive.
Assistive technology (AT), when developed, applied and supported creatively, can dramatically improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. AT can help people with developmental disabilities communicate more effectively, control their environment, move around more freely, meet new people, work and live more independently.
According to a study conducted by the National Council on Disability, one in four working age adults has a disability. Of the more than 13 million who used some form of assistive technology:
| 62% said the assistive technology reduced dependence on their families. |
| 58% reported that the technology helped reduce their need for paid personal assistance. |
| 90% of people with disabilities who were employed said they could work better and faster when using the assistive technology. |
| 83% said they earned more money when using the assistive technology than without it. |
In addition, millions of children with developmental disabilities benefit from technology that allows them to communicate with their peers and teachers, complete assignments, participate in classroom and recreational activities and form natural friendships - in short, to have a more typical childhood and educational experience.
The foundation of effective assistive technology is its focus on maximizing abilities instead of focusing exclusively on limitations.