Assistive Technology Planning to Reduce Abandonment
In 2003, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board obtained a grant to explore AT services in their schools. During their study, they determined that one of the key factors to the success of AT usage in their schools was proper AT planning by the administrators, teachers, and AT professionals. While looking into this, they also determined that this planning led to a low AT abandonment rate by students utilizing AT in their schools. Based on their successes, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board created the following list as a means of promoting assistive technology planning before use.
Top 10 Assistive Technology Reasons for Planning ( Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, 2003). |
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| 10 |
Assistive technology is a NECESSITY for many people with disabilities! |
9 |
Users and service providers must keep themselves informed of the CHANGES in technology! |
8 |
Technology can be EXPENSIVE! |
7 |
Work out FUNDING issues well in advance! |
6 |
FIT the device to the person, NOT the person to the device! |
5 |
Present as many OPTIONS as possible! |
4 |
Low tech is SMART TECH! Start with the simplest and least expensive device that meets the person's needs. |
3 |
TRY IT before you buy it! |
2 |
TRAINING on the use of the technology is crucial! |
 |
The PERSON using the technology ultimately determines the choice of the technology! |
One of the results of proper AT planning was a low abandonment rate. Although this is not a comprehensive list, it can also be used as a guideline as to how to prevent AT abandonment. This list provides reminders about the expense and funding options associated with AT that have not been previously discussed as reasons for AT abandonment. Although these are more commonly barriers to initially obtaining an AT device, they can also be reasons for abandoning AT. For example, if an AT user does not have the necessary funds for upkeep and improvement of their AT device, the device is often abandoned when repair is necessary. Preventing abandonment utilizing most of the rest of these tips has been discussed throughout this module.
Even following this list does not guarantee the AT user will not abandon his/her device at some point because AT retention can never be completely guaranteed. This list, however, can be a good reminder of what to consider when performing an AT evaluation to reduce the chances of AT abandonment with a particular individual.