What is AT?  Assistive Technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The definition also appears in the Tech Act Legislation (P.L.100-407) which has been adopted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This definition is broad and includes a wide range of devices from low technology to high technology items as well as software.  Under IDEA, the legal definition of assistive technology services is:

• any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device {20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25)}
                                                

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• evaluating the needs of an individual with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the individual in their customary environment
• purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by individuals with disabilities
• selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of AT services, coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs
• training or technical assistance for individuals with disabilities, or when appropriate, the family of an individual with a disability, training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or others who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities

If we can’t bring a patient’s physical level up to a point of functioning in a given environment, then we have to adjust the environment to their level.

"What makes the SAU Assistive Technology unique?  The St. Ambrose AT Lab is unique because we do things that haven't been done before.  We manipulate and adapt everyday items and make them functional for people with disabilities of all types.  We take "throw away" computers and turn them into environmental control units (ECU).  We design and create our own adaptive equipment at a fraction of the cost of purchasing similar items off the shelf.  We are then able to loan these items out to clients through our Lending Library.