Why is an assistive technology assessment important?
Selecting the correct assistive technology device is like buying a pair of shoes. The shoes might cover your feet – BUT DO THEY FIT? If the shoes hurt your feet are you going to keep wearing them? Likewise, if the assistive technology is too challenging to learn or doesn’t meet your needs, are you going to keep struggling to make it work, or are you going to join the numerous other folks who simply toss the WRONG accommodation into the closet?
Assistive Technology (AT) assessments are about more than simply answering a common question, such as “What is the best technology for [reading, writing, note-taking, etc.]? Instead AT assessments are about helping you select the correct assistive technology solution designed to meet your needs; allowing you to complete your desired tasks, within your environment, and with the highest level of independence possible.
That’s why ATI’s Specialists personalize each AT assessment, with you in the center. You are of course welcome to invite other members of your “team” to participate in the AT assessment, but if at any point during the assessment you are no longer able to take part in the assessment, then the remainder of the assessment may need to be rescheduled.
What to Expect from an AT assessment
ATI provides comprehensive AT assessments. During the assessment the Specialist will work with you to identify specific barriers and explore assistive technology. Be prepared to talk about specific tasks you want to accomplish, or need to do, but can’t (or have difficulty doing) because of a learning difference, disability or injury. During this process ATI’s Specialist will work with you to gather relevant data about your strengths and needs, and then identify tools, strategies and supporting services which will improve performance, increase participation, and/or increase independence. Depending upon the circumstances, your assessment may involve an AT trial period to validate the effectiveness of the chosen technologies so as to provide greater confidence about the decisions. If so, the Specialist will develop an AT trial plan for determining success.
Following the AT Assessment, ATI’s Specialist will provide a comprehensive written report to the assessment purchasing agent detailing the assessment results, identifying the most appropriate tools and strategies recommended (or whether additional trials are needed), and noting training recommendations as necessary to ensure successful implementation and usage of the AT.
