This article is reprinted from the A.T. Quarterly, Volume 2, Number 5 (1991).

As with anything new and exciting, a great many misconceptions still surround assistive technology: what is it, what isn't it, when can it do something, what can it do, what can't it do, who can benefit from using it, where is it available? The following is an attempt to begin to separate fact from fiction in this regard.

Myth: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS MAGIC. IT IS A CURE-ALL THAT CAN SOLVE ALL OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Fact: Assistive technology is neither magic nor a panacea. But, assistive devices certainly can be powerful tools which people with disabilities of all ages and varying backgrounds can use to successfully meet head on everyday life challenges. Assistive technology alone will never completely eliminate the added difficulties and challenges which comes with having a disability in our society. Increasingly, though, it is becoming one of our most effective allies and change agents for doing so.

Myth: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS FANCY GADGETRY AND A MERE LUXURY.

Fact: For someone with a disability who relies upon assistive technology to perform a critical function or achieve a desired goal in life, it is not just fancy gadgetry or a luxury. Rather, assistive devices of all kinds are very much life necessities for those who use them. Just because a device makes performing a task easier or more convenient for an individual to do, does not make it a luxury item no matter what the cost.

Seventy-five to eighty years ago, telephones and cars were seen as novelties - play things for the rich and well-to-do. In just a short period, though, phones and cars were scattered throughout the American landscape and seen as modern day necessities. Just three to five years ago personal computers and fax machines were also a rarity and now have become a required part of practically every office and business in the U.S. Telecommunication devices for people who are deaf (TDDs), voice-recognition devices, augmentative communication devices, lightweight wheelchairs and other technology solutions for those with disabilities of all ages must eventually be seen in the same light: not as luxuries but, rather, as necessities for everyday living.

Myth: ALL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS HIGH TECH AND EXPENSIVE.

Fact: While some assistive devices are both expensive and sophisticated, devices may also include most anything that helps people in their daily lives: hearing aids; wheelchairs; adapted bathrooms and showers, or work equipment; hand controls and lifts added to vans or cars; switches for using computers and other appliances; and, electronic devices that can be used to speak whatever is on your mind. Not all of these devices cost a lot of money nor are they all high tech.

Myth: ONLY PERSONS WITH CERTAIN TYPES OF DISABILITIES FIND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY USEFUL.

Fact: The needs for specific types of assistive technology varies widely from one person to the next. But individuals of all ages, varying abilities and needs can benefit from having increased access to A.T. devices and services which enable them to lead more self-directed, productive and satisfying lifestyles. By tailoring technology solutions to meet the real life challenges of real life individuals, assistive technology can capitalize on the interests and capabilities of persons with even the most severe disabilities.

Myth: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WANT THE LATEST, MOST EXPENSIVE ASSISTIVE DEVICE.

Fact: When it comes to obtaining technology for their own use, people with disabilities are like any other customer or consumer. Typically, such individuals are not especially interested in trying to keep up with the Joneses next door by buying the latest or most expensive piece of assistive technology on the market. Rather, what people are really interested in is acquiring A.T. which will be both easy and reliable: assistive technology which will assist them to get things done in life in the quickest and most convenient way possible.

Myth: PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES ALREADY KNOW ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.

Fact: The good news is that many individuals with disabilities and their families now know a great deal more about assistive technology and its potential to improve their lives than ever before. In spite of this, though, efforts to increase awareness concerning A.T. have failed to reach many others. Outreach and awareness efforts, therefore, clearly must continue and, in fact, should be an ongoing effort.

Myth: PROFESSIONALS ARE THE BEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE.

Fact: Professionals are certainly a source of information and assistance on assistive technology for persons with disabilities and their families. However, unlike in the past, disability professionals need not be regarded as having an exclusive monopoly in this regard. As just noted, many persons with disabilities and their families now know at least as much about A.T. as professionals who may or may not have life experiences in using or relying upon A.T. on a daily basis. This represents a rich source of information, moral support and assistance which individuals and families need to be encouraged to tap into and contribute back into as well.

Myth: THE ONLY REAL THING THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND FAMILIES WANT FROM AN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE SYSTEM IS TO "PURCHASE TECHNOLOGY."

Fact: Increasingly, those with disabilities and their families will be looking to the A.T. service system, including the A.T. systems change project in their state, to help finance various assistive devices. But, it would be a mistake to view the sole role of any A.T. service delivery system as simply that of a "Daddy Deep Pockets" for assistive technology. Most people prefer to do business with a reputable bank than with a fly by night financier because they know that they can expect a greater quality and variety of services from the bank.

Similarly, most individuals with disabilities and families have higher expectations of their state's A.T. service system as well. Purchasing or arranging for the financing of assistive devices is just one of many significant challenges which must be met. A.T. users and families also expect services that are: convenient, prompt, provide choices, courteous and provide reliable goods and maintenance efforts. In short, everything you might expect to get at your neighborhood bank.

These are just a few of the myths that we hear on a regular basis. Others exist. From time to time, in subsequent issues of A.T. Quarterly, we will debunk other myths frequently heard.