What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) can significantly improve the quality of life for people with autism across their lifetime by supporting communication, learning, independence, social interaction, and daily living skills. Here's how AT can help at different stages:
Childhood & Early Development
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Communication Tools
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AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices or apps (e.g., Proloquo2Go) help nonverbal or minimally verbal children express needs and emotions.
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Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) support visual learners in developing basic communication.
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Sensory Tools
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Weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory apps can help children manage overstimulation.
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Visual Schedules & Timers
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Apps or visual boards provide structured routines, reducing anxiety and supporting transitions between activities.
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School Age
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Learning Support
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Apps and software tailored for visual learning and executive function (like Time Timer, SnapType) assist with focus and organization.
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Text-to-speech or speech-to-text software helps those with reading or writing challenges.
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Social Skills Development
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Social stories, role-playing apps, and virtual reality (VR) platforms help teach appropriate social interactions and emotional recognition.
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Classroom Inclusion
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Tablets or laptops with customized interfaces help students engage with curriculum at their own pace.
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Adulthood
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Workplace Accommodations
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AT can support employment by helping manage sensory environments, schedule tasks, and improve communication (e.g., task management apps like Trello or digital calendars with reminders).
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Independence
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GPS trackers, reminder apps, and smart home devices assist with navigation, medication management, cooking, and other daily tasks.
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Mental Health & Emotional Regulation
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Apps offering mindfulness, emotional check-ins, or guided relaxation can support emotional well-being.
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Later Life
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Routine and Memory Aids
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As memory or cognitive function changes, AT can support routines and independence through reminders and simplified communication tools.
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Ongoing Communication
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Continued use of AAC or simplified tech ensures consistent connection with caregivers and peers.
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Across All Ages
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Customizability: Many assistive technologies can evolve with the user's needs, allowing for lifelong adaptability.
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Empowerment: AT promotes self-advocacy, confidence, and greater participation in education, work, and community life.
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Assistive technology isn't just about gadgets — it’s about empowering people with autism to live fulfilling, connected, and independent lives.
​Providers who can help
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Good Shepherd Rehabilitation offers a leading-edge and coordinated program that connects you with the proper technology, helping you or your family member achieve goals and maximize independence.
Where: Health & Technology Center, 850 S. 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103
Call: 1-888-44-REHAB (73422)
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Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, start, and maintain employment. Your local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can arrange for a free evaluation of your assistive technology needs. The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program helps individuals with appeals and other issues concerning the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Call: 215-557-7221 or 888-745-2357
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Assistive Technology Resource Centers
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Provides education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives. They offer low interest loans to purchase the equipment and software.
Where: 1004 West 9th Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Call: 888-744-1938
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Temple University
TechOWL PA is Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) program.
Call: 800-204-7428
Website
How can we afford it?
The Assistive Technology must be considered a medical necessity and prior authorization may be required. Some primary insurances might cover the cost but if not, medical assistance or Medicaid will cover the cost. Here is a downloadable document about funding Augmentative Communication Devices from the Disability Rights Network.
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Appealing to Medical Assistance: All decisions regarding your Medical Assistance, including assistive technology, must be given to you in writing. If you disagree with a decision, if you do not get a written decision, or if the Department of Public Welfare or managed care health plan fails to act within a reasonable amount of time, you have the right to file an appeal with the Department of Public Welfare and ask for a fair hearing. If you are in a Medical Assistance managed care health plan, you also have the right to file a grievance or a complaint with the health plan. There are deadlines to make your appeal and to file your grievance or complaint. Read carefully all letters provided to
you, and meet all deadlines.
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PASS program through the Social Security Administration Under the Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS), a person on SSI can set aside income, other than SSI, to pay for items or service s needed to achieve a specific work goal. The money or assets set aside will not count against the person’s eligibility for SSI or SSI check amount. For example, money can be set aside to pay for items needed to help the person get to and from work and to do his or her job at work. This can include assistive technology devices and services. A person can also set aside 12 money for installment payments. Social Security does not pay for the assistive technology device or service. The person on SSI pa
ys for the items or services from the money set aside under the PASS. For more information, please contact Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (a service of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania): 800-692-7443 (voice) or 877-375-7139 (TTY).
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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Mission: To provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives. Loans and mini-grant programs cover hearing aids, portable ramps, flashing fire alarms, manual wheelchairs, computers and tablets with specialized software, scooters, batteries and chargers, and environmental controls. It's available to all ages, all incomes and all disabilities.
NEW Funding Your Assistive Technology Guide
Where: 1004 West 9th Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406
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Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program provides specialized telecommunication devices for free to persons with disabilities. A telecommunication device is equipment needed by a person with a disability so that he or she can communicate by wire or radio with another person.
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Use your PA ABLE Savings Program to pay for AT
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​​The Recycled Equipment Exchange Program is a classified listing of used assistive technology devices offered for sale or for free. For more information, please contact Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology at 800-204-7428 (toll free voice) or 866-268-0579 (TTY).