Assistive Technology Training Course

Technology has transformed every part of our lives, and its role in health and social care is no different. Assistive Technology (AT) empowers people who use services, helping them live with greater independence and dignity. Whether it’s tools to help with communication, mobility, or learning, AT provides solutions tailored to individual needs. This free assistive technology online course teaches you all about assistive technologies and how they’re changing lives.

If you want to make a bigger difference in the lives of the people you support, this free assistive technology course is for you. From understanding the types of technology available to exploring ethical and legal considerations, it covers everything you need to know. You’ll gain the confidence to select and implement assistive tools effectively and support individuals in using these technologies.

Whether you’re new to assistive technology or looking to expand your knowledge, this course gives you the tools and insights to bring positive change to your practice.

Why Take This Course?

Assistive Technology is opening doors for people with disabilities, older adults, and others who need additional support. It helps people stay connected, safe, and independent in their own homes, while also reducing the challenges they face in daily life.

But using AT isn’t just about picking the right tool—it’s about understanding the needs of the people you support and ensuring the technology fits their lives. You also need to know the ethical, legal, and practical issues involved to use AT responsibly and effectively.

Here’s why this course will benefit you:

• Support independence: Learn how AT can help people achieve more independence and improve their quality of life, whether it’s a communication app, a mobility aid, or a system to monitor safety at home.
• Gain practical skills: This course isn’t just about theory. You’ll get actionable advice on selecting, implementing, and delivering effective support with AT.
• Navigate challenges: From privacy concerns to accessibility issues, using technology in care settings comes with hurdles. We’ll help you find solutions that work for you and the people you support.
• Understand the bigger picture: We’ll guide you through disability models, needs assessments, and principles of design to ensure you take an inclusive approach.
• Stay informed: Our content is grounded in the context of England’s regulations, such as the Equality Act 2010 and data protection standards, so your practice aligns with UK laws.

With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to build trust and help people achieve their goals through Assistive Technology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of Assistive Technology and how to apply it in health and social care settings. You will:

• Learn what Assistive Technology is and the purpose it serves in supporting independence.
• Explore common types of AT, including tools for communication, mobility, and managing learning difficulties.
• Discover how standalone devices, mobile applications, telecare, and telehealth systems are used in everyday care.
• Understand the benefits of AT and some of the challenges involved, including cost, accessibility, and user acceptance.
• Assess the individual needs of people who use services by understanding disability models, user profiles, and user experience (UX) principles.
• Follow the WHO-GATE 5P framework to select, implement, and evaluate Assistive Technology.
• Handle ethical and legal concerns, like privacy, data protection, and the ethical use of monitoring tools.
• Recognise how AT improves quality of life for people, supports preventative care, and connects them to their communities.
• Learn methods to evaluate AT’s effectiveness and understand when it may not meet an individual’s needs.

This course equips you with actionable knowledge and steps, helping you embrace AT in your work confidently.

Assistive Technology (AT) Training Course Content Outline

Module 1: Understanding Assistive Technology (AT)
Learners will gain an overview of assistive technology, its definition, and its role in supporting individuals across health and social care settings. The module explains the purpose of AT in promoting independence, safety, and inclusion. Learners will also explore the benefits and challenges of introducing AT in different care environments, considering accessibility, training, and cost-effectiveness.

Module 2: Exploring Types of Assistive Technology
This module introduces a wide range of assistive tools designed to support communication, mobility, learning, and daily living. Learners will examine examples of telecare and telehealth systems used to monitor wellbeing remotely, as well as standalone assistive devices and mobile applications that enhance independence. Practical examples help learners understand how each type of technology can meet individual needs.

Module 3: Understanding User Needs and Disability Models
Learners will explore different models of disability—including the medical and social models—and their importance in the design and delivery of assistive technology. The module also examines how to assess user needs through personalised profiles and introduces key principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience (UX) to ensure that AT is inclusive, intuitive, and effective. A short knowledge check reinforces key learning points.

Module 4: Implementing Assistive Technology
This module focuses on the process of selecting and introducing assistive technology in practice. Learners will understand the steps involved in assessing needs, trialling devices, and supporting users to adapt. The WHO-GATE 5P framework (People, Policy, Products, Provision, Personnel) is introduced as a structured approach to implementing AT ethically and effectively. Learners will also explore practical ways to train and empower individuals to use AT confidently.

Module 5: Ethical and Legal Considerations
Learners will explore the ethical issues that can arise when introducing and managing assistive technology, such as informed consent, autonomy, and privacy. The module also explains the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply in the UK, including data protection, confidentiality, and the safe handling of personal information. Learners will understand how to apply these principles in everyday practice to ensure safe, respectful use of AT.

Module 6: Promoting Independence and Wellbeing
This module highlights how assistive technology enhances independence, safety, and wellbeing. Learners will explore AT solutions for managing memory loss, falls prevention, home safety, and social connection, including tools that promote participation in the community. The module links AT use to preventative care and long-term support strategies, helping individuals live more confidently and independently. A knowledge check consolidates understanding.

Module 7: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Assistive Technology
Learners will explore methods for evaluating how assistive technology impacts users’ quality of life, safety, and wellbeing. The module covers feedback collection, performance indicators, and person-centred outcome measures. Learners will also understand when AT may not be suitable and how to identify barriers such as accessibility, usability, or maintenance challenges.

Module 8: Engaging in Reflective Practice
In the final module, learners will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. They will reflect on how assistive technology supports individuals with disabilities and complex needs, and how its effective use promotes empowerment and inclusion. Learners will be encouraged to consider how reflection, feedback, and continuous learning improve practice and service quality across health and social care settings.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for anyone working in or entering the health and social care sector. You’ll benefit if you are:

• A social care worker or support worker providing daily care to people who rely on technology.
• A healthcare assistant helping individuals access or use AT systems.
• A team leader or manager seeking to integrate AT into your service delivery.
• A family member, friend, or volunteer with a personal interest in learning how to support someone using assistive devices.
• A professional looking to better understand how disability models and user experience principles relate to your practice.

Whether you’re here to learn the basics or expand your existing knowledge, this course is for you.

FAQ

How long will the course take?
The course is designed to be flexible. Complete it at your own pace—we estimate it includes about 1–2 hours of learning material.

Do I need to know about Assistive Technology before starting?
No. This course begins with the basics, so anyone can follow along and learn something new.

Is the course specific to the UK?
Yes, all examples, laws, and ethical considerations align with regulations in England.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate to show your understanding and proficiency in Assistive Technology.

How will the course help me in my role?
You’ll gain practical advice for implementing AT successfully in real-world care settings. By understanding how AT supports independence and wellbeing, you can improve outcomes for the people you work with.

What kind of support is available if I have questions?
Our team is here to help with any questions or challenges you may face during the course.

This free course will give you the knowledge and confidence to support people through Assistive Technology. You’ll learn practical ways to introduce, implement, and evaluate AT solutions, making a real difference in their lives.

Start learning today!