Is software enough on its own?
Usually not. Assistive technology is most useful when it is matched to the task and supported with training, review and workplace adjustments.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive Technology at Work
Assistive technology at work is most useful when it is matched to real tasks: reading, writing, meetings, planning, memory load, focus and communication.
This hub routes people from a practical need into the right CAM support: assistive technology training, workplace needs assessments, Access to Work guidance, AXS Toolbar and AXS Passport.
Start with tasks
Reading, writing, planning, notes and communication should shape the tool choice.
Train in context
People need support using tools in real work, not only generic demonstrations.
Review impact
A useful tool should reduce effort, not add another system to manage.
Choosing tools
Good assistive technology starts with the job
A useful AT recommendation should explain what the person needs to do, what creates friction and how the tool will fit into their actual work.
For many people, Access to Work may help fund equipment, software or training. Employers should still consider reasonable adjustments.
Practical checks
- Identify the task before choosing the software.
- Check compatibility with workplace systems.
- Train using real documents, meetings and workflows.
- Review whether the tool is helping after it has been used.
Guide areas
What these assistive technology guides cover
The guides focus on common work tasks: reading, writing, note-taking, planning, meetings, text-to-speech and support for ADHD or dyslexia.
| Need | Relevant guide |
|---|---|
| Reading and writing support | Assistive Technology for Dyslexia at Work. |
| Planning and focus | Assistive Technology for ADHD at Work. |
| Meetings and memory load | Note-Taking Tools at Work. |
| Reading content aloud | Text-to-Speech at Work. |
AT support
Need help making assistive technology useful in practice?
CAM can help identify tools, train people in context and connect assistive technology to Access to Work, reasonable adjustments and workplace support records.
Useful connected guidance
These pages give more context and connect this guide to practical support.
Assistive Technology for ADHDPlanning, reminders, focus and task management tools.Open guidanceAssistive Technology for DyslexiaReading, writing, proofing and processing support.Open guidanceNote-Taking Tools at WorkMeeting capture, summaries and memory-load support.Open guidanceText-to-Speech at WorkReading support for documents, web pages and proofreading.Open guidanceAssistive Technology TrainingTraining to use tools confidently in real work contexts.Open guidanceAXS ToolbarText-to-speech and cognitive support tools for digital content.Open guidanceAXS PassportRecord agreed assistive technology, access needs and adjustment preferences.Open guidance
Related insight articles
Further reading from Calling All Minds on this topic.
Questions people often ask
Short answers, written in plain language.
Can Access to Work fund assistive technology?
Access to Work may fund equipment, software or training where there is an assessed work-related need.