Tools commonly used in the Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry for day-to-day tasks and operations.

• Speech-generating devices
• Eye-tracking devices
• Switches
• Head-pointing devices
• Keyguards
• Mounting systems
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps
• Environmental control units (ECUs)
• Computer access aids
• Voice amplifiers

Common products and services typical of NAICS Code 517810-21, illustrating the main business activities and contributions to the market.

• Speech therapy software
• Braille displays
• Text-to-speech software
• AAC devices
• Sign language interpreting services
• Closed captioning services
• Voice recognition software
• Hearing aids
• Wheelchair-mounted communication devices
• Eye gaze tracking systems

The specific certifications, permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance requirements within the United States for this industry.

• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP): This certification is provided by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and is required for professionals who work with assistive technology devices. The certification ensures that the professional has the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, recommend, and train individuals on the use of assistive technology devices.
• Board Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (BCATP): This certification is provided by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and is required for professionals who work with assistive technology devices. The certification ensures that the professional has the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, recommend, and train individuals on the use of assistive technology devices.
• Certified Rehabilitation Technology Supplier (CRTS): This certification is provided by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and is required for professionals who work with assistive technology devices. The certification ensures that the professional has the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, recommend, and train individuals on the use of assistive technology devices.
• Assistive Technology Applications Certificate (ATAC): This certification is provided by the California State University, Northridge and is required for professionals who work with assistive technology devices. The certification ensures that the professional has the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, recommend, and train individuals on the use of assistive technology devices.
• Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS): This certification is provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is required for professionals who work with aging adults. The certification ensures that the professional has the necessary knowledge and skills to design and build homes that are safe and accessible for aging adults.

A concise historical narrative of NAICS Code 517810-21 covering global milestones and recent developments within the United States.

• The Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry has a long history of providing communication solutions to individuals with disabilities. The first augmentative communication device was invented in the 1800s, and it was a simple board with letters and numbers that could be pointed to. In the 20th century, technological advancements led to the development of more sophisticated devices, such as speech-generating devices and eye-tracking systems. In recent years, the industry has seen a shift towards more personalized and customizable solutions, with the use of mobile apps and cloud-based platforms. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 played a significant role in promoting the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices, leading to increased awareness and funding for the industry.

The anticipated future trajectory of the NAICS 517810-21 industry in the USA, offering insights into potential trends, innovations, and challenges expected to shape its landscape.

• Growth Prediction: Growing

  The Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry in the USA is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand for assistive technologies for people with disabilities and the aging population. The industry is expected to benefit from the advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, which are expected to improve the functionality and usability of assistive technologies. Additionally, the industry is expected to benefit from the increasing adoption of telehealth services, which are expected to drive demand for remote monitoring and communication devices. However, the industry may face challenges such as regulatory hurdles, lack of awareness, and affordability issues, which may hinder its growth. Overall, the industry is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for assistive technologies and the advancements in technology.

Recent groundbreaking advancements and milestones in the Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry, reflecting notable innovations that have reshaped its landscape.

• Smart Glasses: Smart glasses are a recent innovation in the Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry that can help people with visual impairments to see better. These glasses use advanced technologies such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence to enhance the user's vision and provide real-time information about their surroundings.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces: Brain-computer interfaces are another recent innovation in the industry that can help people with disabilities to communicate and control devices using their thoughts. These interfaces use advanced technologies such as electroencephalography (EEG) and machine learning to interpret the user's brain signals and translate them into actions.
• Voice Assistants: Voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant are becoming increasingly popular in the Augmentative & Assistance Communications industry as they can help people with disabilities to control their devices and perform tasks using their voice. These assistants use natural language processing and machine learning to understand the user's commands and respond accordingly.
• Wearable Devices: Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are also becoming popular in the industry as they can help people with disabilities to monitor their health and communicate with others. These devices use advanced sensors and wireless technologies to track the user's activity, heart rate, and other vital signs.
• Mobile Apps: Mobile apps are another recent innovation in the industry that can help people with disabilities to perform various tasks such as communication, navigation, and entertainment. These apps use advanced technologies such as speech recognition, text-to-speech, and augmented reality to provide a seamless user experience.