The following is the technical definition of rehabilitation technology in the Rehabilitation Act ( the federal law behind vocational rehabilitation):

The systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of and address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology devices/services :

• Rehabilitation Engineering means the systematic application of engineering sciences to design, develop, adapt, test, evaluate, apply, and distribute technological solutions to problems confronted by individuals with disabilities. Functional areas addressed through rehabilitation engineering may include mobility, communications, hearing, vision, and cognition, and activities associated with employment, independent living, education, and integration into the community.
• Assistive Technology means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

•Included in Title I (VR Services) of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. (amended in 1998) in the Workforce Investment Act, PL 105-220.