Adaptive technology, more commonly known as assistive technology, refers to technological devices meant to improve functioning for individuals with disabilities. Implementation of assistive technology focuses on removing barriers and increasing accessibility to desired resources.

In the broad sense, even a pair of crutches can be considered assistive technology. The CS-SIS Adaptive Technologies Committee, however, focuses on the assistive technologies most likely to be encountered by CS-SIS members in their jobs. These pages cover situations likely to be encountered by our members and also contain more general information regarding the relevant issues. The first two situations are more likely to be relevant to our members who work in higher education because it pertains to certain requirements they may have to assist in fulfilling. The third situation is a hybrid of required actions and voluntary efforts that could apply to all members.

The first situation pertains to making facilities or equipment available to students who have received accommodations from the University for exams or to study for their courses.  In some of our member institutions, the library must provide computers and rooms on which to install assistive technology programs or must provide rooms for accommodated exams.  This page covers technology used by students with low vision or blindness and technology used by students with moderate motor disabilities.  Go to accommodating accommodations.

 The second situation pertains to course accessibility.  Some of our members teach courses that need to be made accessible.  Go to making courses accessible.   

The third situation pertains to web accessibility.  Go to making web pages accessible.

Assistive technology may be encountered by our members in other contexts.  Readers can also find assistive technology product reviews and get a more detailed discussion of  assistive technology law.