What are assistive technologies?
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).
Common Assistive Technologies
Service and Emotional Support Dogs
According to the National Center for PTSD's "Dogs and PTSD" webpage, there is not enough clinical research to know for sure if dogs can help those with PTSD. However, many people who suffer from PTSD find that service dogs and emotional support dogs can help alleviate their PTSD symptoms.
There are two types of dogs that can help with PTSD:
- Service dogs are dogs that are trained to help their owner with a specific disability. For example, dogs can be trained to pick things up, visually guide those with visual impairments, remind you to take medication, or help those with poor balance.
- Service dogs can go to public places with their owners, even places that dogs are not usually allowed to go like airplanes or restaurants.
- Emotional Support Dogs are dogs that do not have special training, but can provide emotional comfort and companionship for their owners. Often, regular pets can be emotional support dogs if a mental health provider writes a letter recognizing the owner has a mental health problem and needs the dog's emotional support.
- Excepting special permission, emotional support dogs do not have the special permissions service dogs have to go into public places with their owners.
Mobile Applications 
- PTSD CoachHelps you manage symptoms that often occur after trauma. Provides symptom screening and tracking as well as tools to handle stress symptoms. Available for both Apple and Android.
- CPT CoachThis app is a treatment companion for you and your therapist. Provides education on CPT therapy, allows you to track your PTSD symptoms over time, gives reminders for therapy appointments, and tasks to work on between sessions.
Employees with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)The Job Accommodation Center provides guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. This page covers employees with PTSD and the ways employers can make a more accommodating workplace.
Finding Assistive Technology
- EduTopia: Assistive TechnologyDiscover websites, blog posts, articles, and videos related to understanding, selecting, and assessing assistive technology.