rehabilitation programs, schools, assistive technology companies, or disability organizations. Assistive technologies are often used for people who have any type of speech, hearing, or visual impairment. In fact, assistive technologies are often used for people with any type of impairment that affects their everyday life whether it is permanent or temporary. There are a variety of types of assistive technologies which include: wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, cognitive devices, adaptive switches, closed captioning, and many more different types of assistive technologies. What many people don't know is how wide of a range assistive technologies provide to us. For example, one would never assume that closed captioning programs are a type of assistive technology. But at the same time assistive technology can also be considered something more in depth like the various types of prosthetic devices used to replace body parts. History within education According to Ben Satterfield of Georgia Institute of Technology, (AT) or assistive technology refers to “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” The first initial use of AT was to help in the education field, it developed in the mid-1990s. The purpose of assistive technology is to enrich learning and academic performance within the classroom. The process The devices that are used to help those with disabilities are usually paid for by a third party, for example, insurance. To acquire an assistive technology device, you need to seek help from a trained individual in the assistive technology field of services. They will perform evaluations on the individual to see what they require help in, whether that be physical, cognitive or sensory functions. After the device is assigned, medical equipment companies, rehabilitation facilities or volunteer organizations all customize, maintain and repair it. There is so many factors that go into the piece of technology. Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification To earn the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification an individual must display extensive knowledge of the needs of those with disabilities, be able to aid them in the proper selection of assistive technology to suit their needs, and provide adequate training on the utilization of said equipment. Exam eligibility As of April 2012, according to RESNA, "To take the exam for ATP certification, candidates MUST meet both the educational and work experience