Assistive Technology

Some children need help to speak, write and/or learn. For others, moving and getting around may be a challenge. Kids can often expand their abilities with tools and devices called “assistive technology.” At Nemours Children's, our assistive technology team is here to help kids reach their full potential.

Our assistive technology team is made up of experts from several fields, including:

• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• rehabilitation engineering services (specialists who use the principles of engineering to design or adapt assistive devices)
• speech-language therapy

Assistive technology can include devices, equipment and tools that help children with:

• communication — for example, creating speech sounds from a child’s gestures, sounds and expressions
• learning and writing — such as using computer-assisted tools or pictures instead of words to instruct a child
• mobility — helping kids get around using equipment like walkers
• positioning — devices to help kids breathe better, develop healthy posture while sitting and standing, and focus better in school
• self-care — tools like bath and shower chairs and toilet seats to help kids develop strength, coordination, flexibility and the other skills they need to perform day-to-day tasks

We offer individualized treatment plans and a variety of treatment services which, depending on your child’s condition, may include:

• augmentative communication (a wide range of tools, from sign language to advanced technology, to help children communicate)
• care coordination (consultations with your child’s other therapists and educators) 
• hands-on trials of equipment
• set-up and customization (to get your child’s assistive device or computer program ready for them)
• specialized assessments (to get to know your child and find the tools and technology that fit them best)
• training programs (to show your family and your child’s school how to weave assistive technology into learning and day-to-day life)
• wheelchair clinic (to help your family find the most comfortable and effective wheelchair for your child) 

Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.

Our assistive technology experts help make it easier for kids to do things that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Team members from various specialties work together to give evaluations and recommendations for kids with a variety of communication, learning and mobility needs.

Delaware Valley/Philadelphia 

We offer assistive technology at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware (Wilmington, Del.). We have the only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accredited rehabilitation program in the tristate area located within a pediatric hospital.

Central Florida

We offer assistive technology at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida (Orlando). We have one of the only four multispecialty pediatric inpatient rehabilitation programs in all of Florida — and the only one in Central Florida.