7 examples of assistive technology in healthcare

As we strive to make our communities more inclusive, healthcare professionals have made huge innovative leaps in the space of assistive technology. Assistive technology refers to any products or pieces of equipment that enhance learning, working or any day-to-day activities for those living with a disability.

To learn more about the various types of devices on the market, we interviewed seven business professionals who work within this vertical. They shared examples of different types of assistive technology and how they better the lives of the individuals who use them on a daily basis. Keep reading to learn more about them!

Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are a cost-effective and construction-free way of giving people independence when walking up the stairs is no longer an option. This assistive technology aids in giving those with mobility challenges access to the entirety of their home. It truly is innovative, yet simple technology that so many people can take advantage of! 

- Brett Torfin, Arrow Lift - 

Video Conferencing Tools

Video conferencing tools with patients, such as Doxy, allow healthcare professionals to break the distance barrier, especially when specialists are needed for certain cases that are hundreds of miles apart. Video conferencing allows for doctors to meet with a variety of patients from any location so that patients can receive the attention they need as quickly as possible. 

- Henry Babich, Stomadent Dental Lab -

Virtual Office Hours

Virtual office visits have become increasingly popular recently due to their convenience. Visits are typically conducted through video technology like Zoom or Google Meet, allowing patients to choose the best form of communication for them with their providers. Giving patients the option to choose how they receive their healthcare through virtual visits opens the door for many who felt that in-office visits were not as accommodating as they needed. 

- Dan Reck, MATClinics -

Mobility and Sensory Impairment Computer Softwares  

Computer software like voice recognition programs, screen readers, screen enlargement applications, and web accessibility toolbars are great examples of assistive technology. These are things that help people with mobility and sensory impairments to be able to properly use computers and mobile devices without difficulty, which is such an important part of everyday life! 

- Kayla Centeno, Markitors -

Therapeutic Intervention 

Our industry has no shortage of technology that assists us in our daily practice.  From diagnostic equipment to therapeutic intervention, technology is the backbone of our practice. In recent months, telemedicine has afforded us a unique technological platform to deliver care and serve as a force multiplier.

- Michael Herion, Carrot Eye Center -

Automatic Page Turners

Writing a book exposed me to how assistive technology could help deliver my content to readers. For example, within healthcare there are assistive tools like automatic page turners and book holders for patients to enjoy while hospitalized. These assistive tools can help learners participate in educational activities and enjoy access to information within a healthcare environment. 

- Brian Greenberg, True Blue Life Insurance -

Smart Hearing Aid

One of the best examples of assistive technology in healthcare I've seen is the smart hearing aid. It's taken a technology that has been around for a while and redesigned it for today's connected lifestyle. One of the features is to program it to adjust to certain environments based on the level of noise from a smartphone. In addition, some of the newer hearing aids also work with Bluetooth devices, so you don't need a separate headset for calls or music.

- Jacy Smith, Perimeter83 -

At Texthelp, we help organizations around the world to make their digital content more available and accessible to everyone. Our inclusion tool, ReachDeck, helps organizations to improve the accessibility, readability, and reach of their content. Learn more!

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