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What is assistive technology?

Last updated on December 15, 2025

Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term covering the systems and services related to assistive products. It can include tools people use themselves (like screen readers) and features built into devices, operating systems and websites (such as keyboard navigation or captioning). Both people with and without disabilities use AT. For example, speech recognition software (like Siri or Alexa) is a form of AT. This page introduces what assistive technology is, who uses it, and why it’s important to consider when designing, writing and building digital services.

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Assistive technology is often built in

Many assistive technologies are already built into everyday devices like phones, tablets and computers. Operating systems and browsers include features such as screen readers, magnification, captions, voice control and keyboard navigation at no additional cost.

Because these tools are built in, people may use assistive technology without realizing it, for example, increasing text size, using captions on videos or navigating with a keyboard instead of a mouse.

While some people use specialized or customized tools, assistive technology does not always require expensive equipment. Designing and building accessible digital content ensures these built-in tools work as intended for everyone.

Who uses assistive technology

Assistive technology is not used by a single group of people for a single set of needs. We all use it, even if we don’t realize it. Some people need to use assistive technology, and others choose to use it because it makes things easier. For example:

  • People who are blind, have low vision, are Deaf or hard of hearing
  • People with motor disabilities or limited dexterity
  • People with learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, ADHD or dyslexia
  • People with temporary disabilities, such as an injury
  • People in situational contexts, such as bright sunlight, noisy environments or hands-free use

Because needs vary from person to person, many people use a combination of assistive technologies and accessibility features depending on the task or environment.

Types of assistive technology

Understanding assistive technology helps designers, developers and content creators build experiences that work for a wider range of people.

Keyboard navigation

Keyboard navigation allows users to navigate through content using only their keyboard and is one of the most important aspects of web accessibility. We all use it at some point, but it is essential for people who use screen readers or alternative input devices.

Screen readers

Screen readers are software applications that read digital content aloud. Screen readers are essential for people who are blind, but are also useful for people with low vision, low literacy or learning disabilities.

Screen magnifiers

Screen magnifiers are software applications that increase the size of text and graphics on a computer screen. Screen magnifiers are typically used by people with low vision.

Voice recognition

Voice recognition systems enable users to interact with technology by speaking to it. They're often used by people with limited motor skills but are also useful for people with learning disabilities or low vision.

Captioning and transcripts

Captions display spoken content and important sounds as text, while transcripts provide a text version of audio or video content. They're essential for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and are also useful in noisy or quiet environments.

Text-to-speech

Text-to-speech tools read written content aloud. They are commonly used by people with learning disabilities, low vision or cognitive disabilities, and by anyone who benefits from listening instead of reading.

Browser or OS accessibility settings

Browsers and operating systems include accessibility settings such as high contrast modes, reduced motion, text resizing and color adjustments. These settings help users customize their experience to meet their visual, cognitive or motor needs.

Alternative input devices 

Alternative input devices allow people to interact with technology without using a standard mouse or keyboard. These include switches, eye-tracking systems and adaptive keyboards, and are often used by people with motor disabilities.

Non-digital assistive technology

While this toolkit focuses on digital accessibility, assistive technology also includes non-digital tools, such as:

  • Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters and walkers
  • Hearing aids
  • Canes
  • Prosthetics

Learn more about AT

You can learn more about assistive technology by reading:

Testing with assistive technology

The best way to evaluate accessibility is by testing with people who need to use assistive technology (AT). Whenever possible, teams should plan and budget for accessibility testing with people with disabilities or qualified accessibility professionals.

At the same time, not every organization has regular access to native users of AT, and if they do, the same people are often asked to help with testing again and again. Building basic AT testing skills within your team helps identify common barriers earlier in the design and development process and reduces reliance on a small group of testers. This is not a replacement for working with people who have lived experience, but it can complement it and improve overall accessibility outcomes.

Examples of basic testing include:

  • Navigating a page using only a keyboard
  • Checking that keyboard focus is visible and follows a logical order
  • Using a built-in screen reader to understand page structure and content order
  • Zooming in or increasing text size to check responsiveness and readability
  • Checking that captions and transcripts are available and accurate
  • Completing forms to review labels, instructions and error messages
  • Testing key flows on mobile devices, including touch and orientation changes

Learn how to test your work