How would you make a phone call or send email if you couldn't hear, see, or use your hands? This book shows how assistive technology helps individuals with disabilities perform tasks that people without disabilities may take for granted. Assistive technology can be used in two ways: to help people with disabilities to do things that people without disabilities can do without technology, and to improve access to everyday technology that is not designed for people with disabilities. In both cases, the focus is on matching individuals with the tools best suited to fill their needs. A part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities explores what technologies are available to individuals with disabilities, what they can help them to accomplish, and potential hurdles to their use that must be overcome. It explores this exciting field broadly and in depth while still keeping the "people-first" mindset that is the hallmark of assistive technology. In addition, it provides guidance and resources for individuals seeking assistive technology for themselves or for a loved one. Explores the many types of assistive technology available for individuals with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities, with emphasis placed on high-tech solutions Examines key issues related to assistive technology, such as access and affordability Illuminates through case studies how various forms of assistive technology may be applied in the real world and what challenges individuals must overcome to maximize the benefits of these tools