Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

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Care and support systems

Assistive technology

An umbrella phrase for equipment and software that helps somebody do something they otherwise could not.

What it means

Deliberately broad, covering a kitchen gadget, a wheelchair, a communication device and a phone app alike. It is mostly useful as the phrase funding systems and referrals are written in, rather than as a description of any particular thing.

Why you might hear it

  • Funding categories and referral forms use it.
  • A named profession in some countries is built around it.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.