Effective assistive technology assessment is a team effort. It is critical that all team members participate in the assessment by asking the questions leading to the best AT solution. However, many individuals with disabilities and those who assist them may have limited knowledge of AT. Therefore, the questions needing to be asked might not be that obvious. Fortunately, the web has an wealth of resources to help individuals with disabilities, families of students with disabilities, therapists, special educators, and other professionals ask the right questions during AT assessment.
Individuals with Disabilities
If you are an individual with disabilities considering having an AT evaluation, you will be the most important member of the assessment team. Even if you know nothing about AT or computers, the AT Self-Assessment from the Illinois Assistive Technology Project will help you form questions to ask professionals and explain what you need AT to do for you. Once you have done this self-assessment, you can contact the Tech Act Program in your state to find a local source for an AT assessment.
Parents
If your child has a disability and you believe he or she may benefit from AT, several resources are available to help you ask the right questions at an IEP/IFSP meeting. These resources can also help if you must advocate for your child to school personnel who are resistant to AT. The Nebraska Department of Education AT assessment materials, Chamber's Has Technology Been Considered? and Bowser and Reed's Navigating the Process in Closing the Gap will explain the process of AT assessment and provide tips on dealing with school personnel and insurance companies.
Special educators and Other Service Providers
The parent resources above can also help special educators and other service providers ask the right questions as they help individuals with disabilities determine their AT needs. Some resources are more specifically geared toward these professionals, such as Armstrong and Jones' Closing the Gap Article on Using Family Dreams to guide AT assessment. Taking A Closer Look at Assistive Technology and Service Delivery in K -12 Education , Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative's checklists and How to Choose Appropriate Assistive Technology from the the Illinois Assistive Technology Project will help elucidate the process.
Beyond the Web
There are several excellent books which can assist any team member in asking questions for AT assessment. Jan Galvin and Marcia Scherer's book, Evaluating, Selecting, and Using Appropriate Assistive Technology (1996, Aspen), covers all types of AT. Although geared toward individuals with disabilities, the Alliance for Technology Access' book, Computer Resources for People with Disabilities by the Alliance for Technology Access (1998, Hunter House Publishing) is a great book for parents and professionals as well.
Go To Page: 1 2
