Resources

The ETIC use Enabling Technology (ET) as an umbrella term to describe all tools, systems or approaches that can enhance access, engagement, learning, communication, participation and quality of life for individuals and groups. 

ET includes specialised and mainstream technologies that can be adapted for accessibility and used by people with functional difficulties in any area of life. 

Assistive Technology (AT) includes products, systems and services that help people with temporary or long-term difficulties with everyday activities, such as seeing, hearing, communicating, moving, thinking or remembering. The purpose of AT is to enhance independence, participation and safety across all areas of life.

Assistive Technology include physical and digital solutions, such as:

• Physical products: Wheelchairs, walking frames, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, cochlear implants and communication devices.

• Environmental modifications: Ramps, voice-controlled lighting and smart home technology.

• Digital tools: Text-to-speech apps, alternative keyboards, styluses, note-taking apps, calendars, reminders and planning tools.

By reducing barriers, Assistive Technology helps people of all ages and abilities live more independently and participate more fully in everyday life.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to devices, methods or systems, that support or replace spoken or written communication for individuals who experience difficulty speaking or understanding and using language. AAC can involve the use of devices or tools (aided) or parts of an individual’s body (unaided).

Examples of AAC include:

• Facial expressions, gestures, body movements and sign language.

• Communication boards or books with pictures, symbols, words or letters that people can point to.

• Speech-generating devices (SGDs) that speak words or phrases when a user selects symbols or types text.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. AI enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language interpretation or translation.

Examples of AI include:

• Large Language Models (LLMs): Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can generate text and images, answer questions, translate languages and summarise information.

• Virtual assistants: Siri and Alexa can respond to voice commands, answer questions and complete simple tasks.

• Recommendation systems: Services like Netflix and Spotify suggest movies, TV shows or music based on your interests.

• Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars use AI to process data from sensors and make real-time decisions for navigation and avoiding obstacles.

Two more advanced - and still theoretical - types of AI are:

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a machine possesses the ability to understand, learn and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, matching or surpassing human cognitive abilities. Unlike more narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks, AGI would be capable of generalising knowledge and transferring learning from one domain to another or responding to unforeseen situations or information.

• Possible examples of AGI include:

  • Hypothetical Research Assistant - autonomously conduct scientific research, form hypotheses, design experiments and interpret results across various scientific disciplines.

  • Universal Translator - instantly learn and translate any human language, understanding context, idioms and cultural nuances without prior programming.

  • Adaptive Robotics: robots performing tasks in dynamic environments, such as disaster response, by learning and adapting to new situations as these arise.

Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) is a hypothetical AI that would surpass human intelligence in every area, including creativity, general wisdom and social skills. ASI would see machines potentially outperforming humans in every field.

• Possible examples of ASI include:

  • Solving global challenges such as climate change or pandemics.

  • Making scientific discoveries beyond current human capabilities.

  • Managing complex systems, such as economies or public services, more effectively than humans.