assistive

adjective

as·​sis·​tive ə-ˈsi-stiv 

: providing aid or assistance

specifically : designed or intended to assist disabled persons

assistive technology

Examples of assistive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the common themes running through the seemingly disparate stories posted to this space is the idea that the most basic of technologies—namely, the internet—can be an assistive technology unto itself. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Conventional motion sensors for assistive technologies are often cumbersome, lack accuracy, or are not versatile enough to cater to individual needs. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2024

Beyond Accessibility Microsoft has written extensively about the new accessibility features in Windows 11 that join existing ones like Narrator, Magnifier, Closed Captions, and Windows Speech Recognition, along with support for third-party assistive hardware and software. —PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024

However, the atmosphere around assistive robots has gotten less hostile recently, as they've been utilized in many positive use cases. —Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2024

In some cases, the BLM is able to grade pathways and trails to a less-steep grade that could be easier to navigate for individuals who have trouble walking or use assistive equipment. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Kari’s comments about using art and technology to connect others and make people feel less alone is a poignant reminder of social media’s power as an assistive technology. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

In Missouri, 1,111 babies were born in 2021 using assistive reproductive technology, a category that includes IVF, according to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024

Seek out adaptations Actively seeking out assistive technology to help open the world is beyond transformative. —Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

assist entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

assistive

adjective

as·​sist·​ive ə-ˈsis-tiv 

: providing aid or assistance

specifically : designed or intended to assist a disabled person in performing an activity, task, or function especially in an independent manner

assistive technology

Assistive devices help with the performance of daily activities. Most familiar are canes, crutches, and walkers. Other examples of simple assistive devices are raised toilet seats and firm pillows placed under the seats of chairs to help people with hip or knee arthritis to rise from a sitting position.

—Simeon Margolis, The Johns Hopkins White Pages

With some assistive devices, the visually impaired can do a variety of office jobs, using computers and telephones.

—Eric Aasen, The Dallas Morning News

Assistive technology (AT) by its very nature consists of a variety of personal and customized tools for multiple learning styles and physical challenges.

—Kelly Ahrens, Learning & Leading with Technology