Low-Cost Assistive Technology

OVERVIEW

Assistive technology is often associated with expensive, specialized equipment, but many effective tools cost very little or are already built into devices people use every day. This page introduces low-cost and no-cost options across several areas of daily function, along with guidance on when a more specialized or higher-cost solution may be needed.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE

Assistive technology exists on a continuum that ranges from no-cost strategies to complex dedicated devices. A general approach many practitioners find useful is to consider the least complex tool that effectively supports a person's actual task and access needs, rather than assuming a more expensive or more specialized option is automatically the better choice. The right tool depends on the person, the task, and the environment, not on price alone.

WHAT "LOW-COST" CAN INCLUDE

Low-cost assistive technology can take several forms, including:

• No-tech strategies, such as changes to routines, seating, or materials that require no equipment at all

• Simple low-tech tools, such as pencil grips, reading guides, or visual schedules

• Built-in accessibility features already included on phones, tablets, and computers at no additional cost

• Mainstream consumer products used in a way that supports access, such as a tablet stand or a smart speaker

• Inexpensive dedicated assistive technology designed specifically for a particular access need

BUILT-IN ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

Most current phones, tablets, and computers include built-in accessibility features such as text-to-speech, dictation, screen magnification, captions, display and color adjustments, keyboard accessibility, pointer and touch adjustments, and voice control. These features are included with the device and require no additional purchase. See Mobile Device Accessibility for more detail on phone and tablet accessibility settings.

LOW-COST READING SUPPORTS

Reading supports at low or no cost can include reading guides or strips, adjustable book or device stands, simple magnification tools, and the built-in text-to-speech and display adjustment features already present on many devices. See Reading Assistive Technology for a fuller discussion of reading supports across cost levels.

LOW-COST WRITING SUPPORTS

Writing supports at low or no cost can include pencil grips, alternative pens or writing tools, built-in dictation features, word prediction when included with a device or app at no extra cost, and keyboard accessibility settings such as adjusted key repeat or sticky keys. See Writing Assistive Technology and Alternative Keyboards for related options.

LOW-COST ORGANIZATION AND EXECUTIVE-FUNCTION SUPPORTS

Simple organization supports can include paper or digital calendars, timers, reminder apps, checklists, and visual schedules. Many smartphones and tablets already include calendar, reminder, and timer tools that can be used for this purpose without additional cost. These supports are described here in functional terms and are not tied to any particular diagnosis. See Assistive Technology for Executive Function for more on these organization and task-management tools.

LOW-COST COMPUTER AND DEVICE ACCESS

Operating systems built into most computers and mobile devices include accessibility features such as Mouse Keys, pointer and cursor adjustments, sticky keys, an onscreen keyboard, speech input, and touch accommodations. These settings are available at no additional cost and can be a helpful starting point before considering dedicated access hardware. See Alternative Keyboards and Alternative Mice and Pointing Devices for options when built-in settings are not sufficient.

MAINSTREAM TECHNOLOGY AS AT

Everyday consumer products can sometimes function as assistive technology when they match a person's functional needs. Examples include smart plugs and voice assistants used for environmental control, tablet stands used for positioning, Bluetooth keyboards used for alternative input, and simple timers used for task support. See Environmental Control and Smart Home Accessibility for more on this category. Mainstream products are not always a substitute for individualized assistive technology, particularly when dedicated or more precise access is needed.

LOW-TECH VS HIGH-TECH

Price and technical complexity do not by themselves determine whether a tool is appropriate. A low-tech or no-tech solution can be highly effective for some tasks, while other situations may require more complex or higher-cost equipment to reliably meet a person's access needs. The right level of technology depends on the specific task, the person's abilities, and the environment where the tool will be used.

WHEN LOW-COST IS NOT ENOUGH

Low-cost and built-in options are not always sufficient. Specialized equipment may be needed when durability, access accuracy, compatibility, safety, communication needs, mounting, or environmental demands exceed what a low-cost or mainstream product can reliably provide. For example, a communication need that requires a dedicated speech-generating device, or a physical access need that requires a customized mounting system, may not be well served by a general-purpose or low-cost tool alone.

FUNDING AND DEVICE LOAN OPTIONS

When a low-cost option is not enough, funding and device loan programs may help offset the cost of more specialized assistive technology. State assistive technology programs often maintain device loan or short-term loan libraries that allow a person to try equipment before purchasing it. See Funding Assistive Technology and Assistive Technology Funding Systems for a broader look at funding sources.

SAFETY WITH DIY ADAPTATIONS

Some low-cost solutions involve simple do-it-yourself adaptations, such as non-slip material or a stable wedge for positioning. Any DIY adaptation should not compromise the safety or integrity of the device or equipment involved. This page does not provide instructions for modifying household electrical wiring, altering a device's built-in safety systems, making structural changes to a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, or modifying medical devices. Adaptations of this kind should be reviewed by a qualified professional.

AUTHORITATIVE RESOURCES

For more on built-in accessibility features, see Apple Accessibility Support and Microsoft Accessibility. For information on device loan and reuse programs, see the AT3 Center's Device Lending page.

RELATED ASSISTIVETECHNOLOGY.ORG RESOURCES

For a broader introduction to assistive technology, see Assistive Technology 101. For a full range of funding options, see Funding Assistive Technology. For a fuller directory of assistive technology products and resources, see Assistive Technology Products & Resources. For home environmental control options, see Environmental Control and Smart Home Accessibility. For reading and writing supports across cost levels, see Reading Assistive Technology and Writing Assistive Technology. For alternative input options, see Alternative Keyboards and Alternative Mice and Pointing Devices. For accessibility features on phones and tablets, see Mobile Device Accessibility.

ABOUT THIS PAGE

This page is provided for general educational purposes and is maintained by Accessibility Clinic, Inc. Assistive technology needs vary widely from person to person, and the information here does not constitute an individualized assistive technology evaluation. For an individualized evaluation, see AssistiveTechnologyEvaluations.org.