Strategies to Educate More People About Assistive Technology

By Madison Eckles

Introduction

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any device, software, or system that helps an individual perform tasks that may otherwise be difficult [1].  Assistive Technology can range from simple or low-tech tools, such as mobility aids, to more advanced high-tech tools such as text to speech software [1]. Assistive Technology can benefit a wide range of people, including individuals with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those with long-term health conditions [2]. Despite the usefulness of assistive technology ranging from a variety of things, many individuals who could benefit from these tools are unaware of their existence or don’t fully understand how these tools could improve their lives [3]. Additionally, common misconceptions and social stigma can discourage individuals from exploring or adopting use of these resources. As a result of this, many remain underserved and can face unnecessary barriers to participation and independence. Education plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals to make informed choices. By improving understanding of assistive technology, education can increase accessibility, promote independence, and advance inclusion among communities. 

Understanding Barriers to Assistive Technology Awareness

One of the primary reasons that assistive technology remains underutilized is the widespread lack of awareness surrounding its availability and purpose. Many individuals are never exposed to assistive technology because it is rarely discussed in schools, workplaces, or healthcare settings. Without this exposure, many people who could benefit from these tools may not recognize them as options for supporting their daily lives. As a result, many people around the world are unable to access the tools that could be beneficial to their daily functioning. Approximately 2.5 billion people around the world require at least one assistive tool, and is expected to rise to over 3.5 billion by 2050. Despite the increasing need, access to assistive technology is distributed unevenly, with less than 10% of people in need being able to obtain the appropriate assistive technology in some countries [3]. Misconceptions can also further limit awareness and the adoption of assistive technology for those who may find benefit from the use of these tools. Assistive technology is frequently misunderstood as being intended only for individuals with severe or visible disabilities, rather than as a wide range of tools that can support a variety of individuals [4]. Another misconception is that assistive technology is too expensive, even though there are many affordable options now, including the rise of DIY assistive solutions [4]. Social stigma has also contributed to underutilization, as individuals may fear being labeled and treated differently by relying on assistive technology. Additionally, systemic barriers such as limited access to resources among healthcare professionals and educators restrict awareness. These challenges highlight the need for educational strategies to address not only the gap in knowledge, but also the social norms and attitudes surrounding the use of assistive technology. 

Integrating Assistive Technology Education into Schools

Integrating assistive technology education into the school system is a great strategy for increasing awareness and promoting long-term accessibility and inclusion. Exposure in K-12 education helps students view assistive technology as a normal part of everyday learning rather than as a difference [5]. Introducing assistive technology through the view of health, technology and education can show students how these tools are beneficial to their peers or themselves. When assistive technology is shown along commonly used technologies, it becomes normalized. At the University level, integrating assistive technology access to a variety of disciplines is crucial. Programs that help prepare teachers to equip future professionals with the skills to ensure adequate inclusion of these tools within their professions are essential [6]. Healthcare programs can prepare future professionals to recommend, implement and support assistive technology use. A team-based approach to classroom practice is essential for effective implementation of assistive technology within educational settings.. Successful implementation heavily relies on continuity and coherence across curriculum, learning activities and consistent use in multiple environments [5][6]. Collaborations among teachers, students, and education administrators , and those involved in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) ensure that assistive technology aligns with an individual's needs while supporting inclusion of the whole class [6]. Allowing hands-on learning approaches within the classroom strengthens assistive technology education. This can be done through demonstrations, simulations, and personal stories that allow for students to directly engage with assistive technology and understand the application of these tools [6]. These strategies can build early awareness, encourage advocacy and inclusivity, and reduce stigma.

Training Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals play a key role in increasing the awareness and the use of assistive technology. This is due to them often being the first point of contact for individuals who could benefit from these tools. Healthcare professionals are in the perfect spot to identify when assistive technology may be beneficial, what tools may be the best fit, and direct them towards resources to support independence [7]. When these professionals lack training in assistive technology, opportunities for early intervention and effective support may be missed. To ensure that this training is effective and targeting assistive technology, healthcare professionals should stay up to date with continuing education workshops [8]. This way these workshops can offer flexibility and accessibility to reach healthcare professionals from all across the world. Additionally, by adopting an interdisciplinary training model, we can ensure that all healthcare professionals understand the tools and how to apply them in real-life [7]. Effective training and collaboration among healthcare professionals can lead to improved outcomes for those who use assistive technology [8]. When professionals are confident and knowledgeable in assistive technology, patients are much more likely to adopt these tools and use them within their daily lives. Ultimately, solidifying professional training supports accurate information, increased use, and improved long-term outcomes for individuals who rely on assistive technology.

Using Media, Technology, and Social Platforms

Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook help the promotion of awareness and understanding of assistive technology among diverse populations [9]. The use of social media campaigns, educational videos, and infographics allow information to be engaging and accessible while also reaching far more people than just the classroom. Social content can be produced quickly and widely; these platforms are extremely effective for reducing knowledge gaps within the general public [10]. One of the most impactful strategies used in social media is the use of personal stories, or better known as “story times” [9]. These storytimes from individuals that use assistive technology help de-stigmatize the tools and challenge stereotypes [9]. When people see how assistive technology improves everyday life by highlighting the benefits, it becomes more relatable. Additionally, a study of University students with disabilities found that social media use was associated with deeper relationships and connecting with individuals with similar experiences [11]. These findings show that social platforms can reduce isolation and encourage social inclusion through connections [11]. By highlighting these tools, the way they are useful, and others that have similar experiences, using social media can reduce stigma, broaden understanding, and promote positive attitudes towards assistive technology and disabilities overall.

Conclusion

Assistive technology is able to significantly improve the independence and quality of life for many individuals, yet it remains underutilized due to limited knowledge, misconceptions, and social stigma. This article highlights important strategies that can be used to address these barriers. By integrating assistive technology into schools, targeting training for healthcare professionals, and using social media, awareness can be increased across the world. These strategies work together in order to normalize assistive technology and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their use. 

References

[1] “What Is Assistive Technology?” NCDHHS. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/eipd/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program/what-assistive-technology. 

[2]“Assistive Technology.” World Health Organization. Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology. 

[3] Zhang, Wei, and Johan Borg. “Global Availability of Guidelines Related to Assistive Technology: A Scoping Review.” Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences 6 (April 24, 2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.1581104. 

[4] Myths and facts surrounding ASSISTIVE technology devices and services 1. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/Myths-and-Facts-Surrounding-Assistive-Technology-Devices-01-22-2024.pdf. 

[5]Tamakloe, Deborah. “Enhancing Learning and Development of Young Children with Disabilities with Assistive Technology.” Assistive Technology to Support Inclusive Education, September 25, 2020, 141–61. https://doi.org/10.1108/s1479-363620200000014012. 

[6] The use of Assistive Technology in education: A guide for teachers and schools. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.unicef.org/eca/media/30671/file/Teacher’s%20guide%20for%20building%20capacity%20for%20assistive%20technology.pdf. 

[7] Manship, Sharon, Eleni Hatzidimitriadou, Julia Moore, Maria Stein, Debra Towse, and Raymond Smith. “The Experiences and Perceptions of Health-Care Professionals Regarding Assistive Technology Training: A Systematic Review.” Assistive Technology 36, no. 2 (July 3, 2023): 123–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2023.2219294. 

[8] Hofstetter, Sebastian, Max Zilezinski, Dominik Behr, Bernhard Kraft, Christian Buhtz, Denny Paulicke, Anja Wolf, et al. “Integrating Digital Assistive Technologies into Care Processes: Mixed Methods Study.” JMIR Medical Education 10 (October 9, 2024). https://doi.org/10.2196/54083. 

[9] “Social Implications of the Social Media Use by Students with Disabilities at the University of Jordan: Facebook as a Model.” Psychology and Education, 2021.

[10] Weskill. “How Social Media Promotes Inclusivity.” How Social Media Promotes Inclusivity, December 16, 2024. https://blog.weskill.org/2024/12/How-Social-Media-Promotes-Inclusivity.html. 

[11] Fernández-Batanero, José María, Marta Montenegro-Rueda, José Fernández-Cerero, and Inmaculada García-Martínez. “Assistive Technology for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” Educational technology research and development 70, no. 5 (June 10, 2022): 1911–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-022-10127-7.