Frequently Asked Questions on Assistive Technology

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Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any tool, device, software, or equipment that helps individuals perform tasks more easily, efficiently, or independently. AT is designed to support people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone who experiences challenges in daily activities. 

Assistive technology includes two key components: 

1. Devices and Tools – The actual items that assist with tasks, such as communication devices, screen readers, adaptive keyboards, weighted utensils, noise-canceling headphones, and mobility aids. 
2. Services and Support – The guidance, training, and resources available to help individuals choose, learn, and effectively use assistive technology to enhance their quality of life. 

AT can be as simple as a pencil grip that helps with handwriting or as advanced as eye-tracking software that allows someone to use a computer without physical touch. It is not limited to physical disabilities but also supports cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs. 

Humans have always created tools and technologies to improve daily life, increase accessibility, and enhance our ability to work, learn, and engage with the world. Assistive Technology is a critical form of accommodation that allows individuals to overcome barriers and participate fully in education, employment, and social activities. 

AT promotes: 

• Independence – Allowing individuals to complete tasks without relying on others. 
• Access – Making learning, communication, and everyday activities more inclusive. 
• Equity – Ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed in their own way. 
• Quality of Life – Reducing frustration, increasing engagement, and providing solutions tailored to unique needs. 

For example: 

• A student with dyslexia might use text-to-speech software to improve reading comprehension and learning. 
• An autistic individual may use a visual schedule to structure their daily routine and foster independence. 
• A person with limited mobility might use voice-activated smart home devices to control lights, adjust temperature, or send messages. 

Assistive Technology is all around us, often seamlessly integrated into everyday life. By embracing these tools, we create more inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. 

Assistive technologies are important tools that can help support many areas of daily life. We will work with you to determine what kinds of tools will be helpful in the areas of life you need support in. 

The following are common areas where assistive technology can be used: 

• Communication 
• Mobility Aids 
• Sensory Processing 
• Computer Access
• Fine Motor 
• Reading and Writing Supports 
• Recreation  
• Vision or Hearing Impairments 

Bridge will provide up to $1800 of assistive technology per person with a disability. These may be low-tech or high-tech tools. You may receive tools to help further access to education, employment, and community.  

You may already have an idea of what tools may support you. You may not have these tools yet due to the expensive costs of some assistive technology devices. If this sounds like you, we are happy to help cover the costs of the tools you need. If you do not know what you need but have challenges managing some daily tasks in your life, this program is also for you! With our diverse team of specialists in assistive technology, we can help identify what you need.

Forever! The AT is provided to you to KEEP! 

Each individual will be unique based off of the needs identified. Since we will not be using insurance verification, this will allow for a quicker process. However, we ask that you are patient and trust we will do our best to get your AT to you as soon as possible. We will communicate with you throughout the process.  

YES! Our team of assistive technology specialists will provide one-on-one training for each device or equipment you receive. As a team dedicated to holistic and collaborative care, we encourage any caregivers, family members, or professionals working with the individual to engage in the AT training.  You will also receive an accessible guide to help you use your AT after training. Participants will also have a support phone number and email to receive ongoing tech support when needed. Please do not hesitate to call or send an email with any questions regarding using your AT.  

No, our program has no age limit!

Any family member with a documented disability will qualify (please fill out separate intake forms for each individual). There is no household limit.  

With a lending library, you are able to borrow AT for a limited time. This may be free or low cost, but you will have to purchase your own device after the borrowing period. Our program provides you AT that is yours to keep.  

There is no catch! This program is grant funded, which means it is completely free to our communities. We only ask that you participate fully in the program and complete our surveys to help us fund future projects like these.  

This program is grant funded. One of the requirements for funding was to serve counties that have 15% or more of the population living with a disability or reside on Tribal Land. 

We know there are many individuals outside of these counties that need access to AT and digital literacy, it is our hope that we can find a way to further programs like this in the future.

Digital literacy is the skills required to access, understand and use digital technologies. It involves the ability to navigate online environments such as email, internet, and social media safely and responsibly.   

Digital literacy is important for helping people thrive in an increasingly digital world, where much of our communication and social participation takes place through technology.   

Everyone does! The more confident users are in navigating digital platforms, the greater access they have to the world around them.   

Using a computer is a first step in digital literacy. Through further education, participants will gain access to platforms and programs that can improve quality of life, increase access to community, and support educational and employment goals. 

Participants will arrange with their case managers to schedule digital literacy classes.

Participants are required to take two (2) hours of digital literacy instruction but are eligible for up to four (4).  

If your child or family member is unable to participate in digital literacy classes independently, then a parent/guardian will need to attend the class.  

Your digital literacy instruction will be tailored to your personal needs and current abilities. Your instructor will work with your cohort to ensure content will support increasing your access to the assistive technology devices you’ve received as well as supporting any educational or vocational goals or barriers you may have.   

Digital literacy instruction will be done in a cohort format (no more than 15 members per cohort) and will be hosted in community at a location that is accessible for all participants. Special attention will be placed on ensuring public transit is an option for participants to utilize for transportation.

Each class is one (1) hour long, so participants will be required to take at least two (2) classes. 

Yes! All members of the family are welcome, and even encouraged, to participate in the digital literacy instruction.   

There will be computers available to use during instruction. However, if bringing your own device helps support confidence and familiarity in using it independently, please bring it. 

There will be computers available to use during instruction. However, if bringing your own device helps support confidence and familiarity in using it independently, please bring it. 

If you cannot attend your scheduled digital literacy instruction, please let your case manager know so they can find another available class for you.