Now more than ever companies are beginning to realize that physically challenged individuals can be an extremely productive member of the workforce. Although, in most instances the physically challenged individuals require some type of assistance so they can successfully perform their jobs. The assistance physically challenged individuals receive comes in the form of assistive technology through devices designed specifically for job accommodation. However, through research performed by companies and professionals, many devices both inexpensive and expensive have been designed to enable physically challenged individuals to perform a variety of tasks that they might otherwise have had difficulty with. The law defines an assistive technology device as any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of physically challenged individuals.
Assistive technology is used in some form or another by everyone in society on a regular basis.
Physically challenged individuals along with everyone else who are limited in their abilities to perform certain tasks rely on assistive technology for their independence. Assistive technology serves many functions specifically for physically challenged individuals. These functions include increasing mobility, assisting with daily living activities, helping people communicate, and promoting learning. The assistive technology devices used to serve these functions and many others can be purchased in stores, specially ordered, or in many circumstances must be built or modified for a specific individual. As defined by law, job accommodations are changes to a work site or job function to fit the qualified person with a disability.