Imagine needing assistive technology to improve daily life but being overwhelmed by countless programs, devices, and eligibility rules. Navigating this maze to find the right support shouldn’t be so challenging—which is where an intuitive, all-in-one portal comes in, simplifying the search for life-changing resources.
The Navigation Portal (funded by AGE-WELL) is a comprehensive tool for exploring assistive technology funding and service programs across Canada. Users can personalize their search by jurisdiction (province, territory, national-level programs), assistive technology category (e.g., mobility, communication, sensory), program type (e.g., government, charity), and eligibility criteria, including age, specific conditions (like dementia or hearing loss), and unique population groups (e.g., veterans, refugees). Each program listing details covered devices and services, enabling users to quickly evaluate a program’s suitability before accessing more information through provided links.
The first step to getting the right assistive technology, services, and support designed to meet your needs starts with the Navigation Portal. But how can assistive technology help?
What the Research Tells Us
Assistive technology holds significant promise for improving the lives of older adults, particularly when tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. For instance, home modifications, such as lighting adaptations for individuals with low vision, have been shown to improve quality of life, enhance independence, and reduce caregiver burden by enabling older adults to perform daily tasks more safely and effectively.1 Similarly, targeted fall prevention measures, like addressing home fall hazards for those at higher risk, have proven effective in reducing fall rates, underscoring the importance of selecting interventions based on personal risk profiles.2
Beyond physical modifications, technological innovations like information communication technology (ICT) interventions may encourage social engagement among older adults, though further research is needed to understand their long-term benefits.3 However, older adults’ adoption of assistive technologies is often influenced by their desire to maintain an identity of independence and competence, highlighting the need for solutions that align with their personal values and sense of self.4
Getting the Right Assistive Technology: Taking the First Step
As the evidence suggests, assistive technology is not one-size-fits-all. Effective interventions depend on careful consideration of individual needs, the context in which they will be used, and the broader goals of enhancing independence and quality of life. This underscores the importance of tools, like the AccessATCanada navigation portal, that help individuals find options that match both their practical needs and personal preferences. The Portal represents an important tool for connecting the right programs and services to the right.-cropped0a1c75a5389865188b9fff000027d16b.jpg?sfvrsn=cd8410d6_0)
