The Technology Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 described an assistive technology device as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."
Assistive technologies can be "high tech" and "low tech:" from canes and lever doorknobs to voice recognition software and augmentative communication devices (speech generating devices).
There are many types of assistive technologies that can help ease the pain of those who suffer from fibromyalgia and be used in either the workplace or the classroom. Since pain from fibromyalgia varies in location and intensity for each individual, it is important to consider which technologies would be most effective on an individual basis. Some common technologies to consider include the following:
In addition to technologies intended to help ease pain, there are also products to assist with the decreased stamina and fatigue these individuals may also experience. Some of these assistive technologies include the following:
Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia often suffer from anxiety and high levels of stress, which can heavily impact their performance at work or in the classroom. Some helpful technologies for managing these higher levels of stress and anxiety include the following:
