Tori Adamson, MS, and the Tools for Life Team | August 18, 2025 - Atlanta, GA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults living in America has a disability. If you’re sitting in a classroom, look to the left, to the right, and in front of you. There’s a high chance that either you or one of the people you just looked at has a disability and could benefit from assistive technology (AT).

AT, in the simplest terms, is anything that can help improve or maintain a person with a disability's ability to function. This can be at home, in the classroom, at work, or out in the community.

Tools for Life, housed at the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI), is tasked to help all Georgians benefit from AT. Our team can help residents of Georgia find the right AT to support them in living, learning, working, and playing independently.

AT doesn’t have to be high-tech or costly. It could be a rubber jar opener you already have in your cutlery drawer or a fidget toy you pick up at the grocery checkout. Some may be expensive, but many AT options fit within any back-to-school budget.

We asked our experts at Tools for Life to suggest some AT that supports students in the classroom. Read below!

CIDI and Georgia Tech do not endorse or recommend any specific company or product mentioned or inferred in this article. Any mention of a specific is for informational purposes only. To use this guide, please search for the terms or kind of item you would like to purchase, and you should be able to find it. We have bolded search terms that might help you. If you need further assistance finding an item or would like to demo an item before you purchase it, please feel free to email Tools for Life.

Assistive technology can be divided into three categories: low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech.

Low-tech AT is anything readily available, inexpensive, and typically does not require batteries or electricity. Mid-tech AT is usually digital and may require batteries or another power source. High-tech AT is typically computer-based, likely to have sophisticated features, and can be tailored to the specific needs of an individual.

With the wide range of devices, students can integrate AT from all categories into their daily activities inside and outside of the classroom!

Low-Tech Assistive Technology

Slant Board – A slant board is an angled writing or reading surface that positions materials at an optimal viewing angle. It can improve posture, reduce neck strain, and support fine motor control for students with writing difficulties. Educators can use them to help with handwriting.

Reading Guides – Reading guides are transparent strips or sheets that highlight one line or section of text at a time. They help students track words, reduce visual clutter, and improve reading fluency. They are beneficial for learners with dyslexia or attention difficulties.

Mid-Tech Assistive Technology

Scanning Pens – A scanning pen is a portable device that reads printed text aloud. It supports independent reading by assisting students with decoding, pronunciation, and comprehension. It’s especially useful for students with dyslexia or visual impairments.

Personal Amplifier – A personal amplification device boosts the volume and clarity of speech for people with hearing difficulties. It can be used in classrooms to help students hear instructions clearly. Its portability makes it perfect for one-on-one or small group settings.

High-Tech Assistive Technology

AI-Powered Note Taking Tools – AI-powered note-taking tools can record, organize, and summarize classroom lectures or discussions. It helps students capture key points without having to write everything down, supporting those with attention, processing, or handwriting challenges. Notes can be stored digitally for easy review and study.

Smart Speakers – Smart speakers have voice-controlled assistants that offer hands-free access to information, reminders, and interactive learning tools. In the classroom, these can assist students with disabilities by setting timers, spelling words, answering questions, and practicing skills. Smart speakers promote independence and quick access to information.

Finding the best classroom supports for someone with a disability can be a daunting task. If you find yourself still having difficulty finding the best solutions for your studies, contact the Tools for Life team! Their team of experts can help you find the right AT for you.