Assistive Technology Common Misconceptions

• Assistive Technology is "high tech" and expensive.
  • Many of the most useful and effective devices are inexpensive and simple devices already owned by the average household. These are known as "low tech" devices.
    
    
• People want the latest and most expensive devices.
  • Most people want Assistive Technology devices that are easy, reliable, and affordable. Most Assistive Technology devices are offered within a broad range of complexity and cost to suit almost every need and budget.
    
    
• One person has all the answers.
• Assistive Technology devices improve and are updated constantly, making it impossible for any one person to know everything about Assistive Technology devices and services. It is important to research and learn all you can before making a final decision about which device will work best.
  
  
• Assistive Technology can resolve all of my difficulties.
  • Assistive Technology is a powerful tool to assist people with meeting everyday challenges. By itself, assistive technology will never completely remove all of the difficulties which come with needing extra assistance.
    
    
• I am not ready, I should just wait.
  • Deciding to utilize Assistive Technology is a very personal decision. Most people prefer the familiar over trying something new. However, Assistive Technology lets people do things more easily, more independently, or sometimes even for the first time.
    

• Assistive Technology is only useful for people with a specific need.
  • People of all ages, abilities, and needs may be able to benefit from Assistive Technology devices and services. Because everyone's needs are unique, meeting those needs becomes crucial and may require trying more than one solution.
    
    
• There is one correct Assistive Technology solution for every need.

  Assistive Technology success depends on:

  • level of family involvement
    
  • continual evaluation
    
  • broad selection options
    
  • user training
    
    Furthermore, needs and degrees of assistance can change over time, requiring periodic evaluation. An effective Assistive Technology solution, today, may be ineffective tommorow.
    
    

• Assistive Technology devices indicate their limitations.
  • Research, research, and research, sometimes Assistive Technology devices limitations are not always apparent and rarely does one size fit all. Ensure you agree with the retailers return policy before purchasing any Assistive Technology device.