Is this correct? I always thought Access technology was a UK thing. Later I was told Access Tech was the old fashioned term…

“Access technology and assistive technology are closely related, yet they serve slightly different purposes and audiences. Access Technology is a subset of tools and devices specifically aimed at making mainstream technology usable by people with disabilities. For example, screen readers, like NVDA or JAWS, open up digital content to blind and visually impaired users by converting text to speech or braille. Similarly, captioning on videos makes audio content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Access technology is about creating a pathway to existing environments—digital or physical—so people with disabilities can engage equally with content and experiences designed for a general audience.
Assistive Technology on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of devices and software designed to assist individuals with disabilities in performing functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. This can include mobility aids, like wheelchairs or walkers, augmentative communication devices, or adaptive tools for daily living. For example, a braille note-taker supports daily productivity and communication for someone who is blind, while a prosthetic limb aids physical mobility for someone with an amputation. Assistive technology covers tools that provide support specific to the user’s needs, beyond accessibility in mainstream contexts.

Imagine a visually impaired student navigating an online course. Access technology, like a screen reader, bridges the gap by converting on-screen text to speech, allowing her to participate in the course as fully as anyone else. But to take notes or organize her studies, she may rely on a braille note-taker—an assistive technology uniquely tailored to her needs beyond just accessing information. For many, these tools are more than technology; they’re lifelines to independence, connection, and self-expression—bridging gaps and lifting limitations in ways that honour each person’s unique journey.

In simple terms:

• Access Technology helps people with disabilities use mainstream technology.
• Assistive Technology provides personalized support and tools for individuals to live more independently, across both general and unique contexts.

Their paths intersect because many access technologies—like screen readers, magnification tools, or voice recognition—are also considered assistive technology due to their role in supporting independence and empowerment. However, assistive technology is a broader term, often including unique tools tailored for very specific personal needs beyond mainstream accessibility.

As we look to the future, the lines between these two types of technology may continue to blur, with innovations that address complex needs across all contexts. Imagine AI-powered apps that identify objects, read text, or recognize faces in real-time—tools that simultaneously provide access and enhance day-to-day living.

While access technology aims to bridge the mainstream gap, assistive technology offers tailored support that supports each individual's independence.“

#Accessibility #AccessTechnology #AssistiveTechnology #Blind #Disability