Glossary · Websites and content systems
Assistive technology
Hardware or software that helps a person perceive, navigate, operate, or communicate through a digital interface.
Also called: assistive technologies
Definition
Assistive technology includes screen readers, screen magnification, speech input, alternative keyboards, switches, and other tools people use with browsers and operating systems. Its behavior depends on the semantic structure and interaction exposed by the website.
Why it matters
Testing only a mouse and visual desktop layout can miss barriers that appear through keyboard, speech, magnification, or screen-reader use.
Common misunderstanding
Assistive technology is not one browser mode and accessibility cannot be delegated to a single overlay or automated score.
Related terms
Related system family: Websites & Publishing
Sources
- Assistive technologies and adaptive strategies (opens in a new tab) · W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
- Accessibility (opens in a new tab) · MDN Web Docs
Last reviewed July 16, 2026