Issues And Questions To Consider During an Assistive Technology Assessment

It has been established that performing an assistive technology assessment consists of much more than just investigating an individual's functional abilities and limitations. The following is a quick guide of imperative issues in each of the ecological, practical, and ongoing components of an assessment to consider during an assistive technology assessment. Also, included are some questions related to each issue that provide a path to recommending the best possible person-technology match.

Practical

• Individual Needs & Functional Limitations – What task(s) would the person like to perform? What does the person need to be able to do to perform the desired task? What limitations does the person's disability present?

• Functional Capabilities – What functional capabilities does the person possess? How can this person utilize his/her functional capabilities to perform the desired task with the help of assistive technology? 

• Experience With Technology - Does this person have experience using assistive technology? Does this person have experience using standard technology? Is he/she willing to attempt to use new technology? Does he/she feel comfortable using technology? Does he/she learn new technology quickly?

• Independence – Does this person have a desire to be independent that the use of an assistive technology device can help achieve?

• Economic Capability – How expensive is the assistive technology solution? Can the individual afford the solution or does he/she have a 3rd party willing to pay for the solution? Can a more economical solution be pursued?

• Quality of AT Device – Has the assistive technology device been demonstrated by research or previous experience to be effective? Does the device consistently work properly? Has there been any recurring problems with the device not by other users or assistive technology professionals? If the device is for the computer, is it compatible with the platform it is being run on? Is it compatible with other software on the computer? 

Ecological

• Environmental Factors – Where will the assistive technology be used? Will it be used in one environment or across multiple environments? What environmental factors will effect the use of the AT device (background noise, lighting, temperature, surfaces, etc)? What aspects of the device will need to be adjusted upon change of environment for the device to work effectively (volume output, input method. etc)?

• Device Acceptance – Will the user accept the device based on looks and ease of use? Will the device be accepted and use promoted in all necessary settings (school, work, home, social, and leisure environments)?

Ongoing

• Person-Technology Match – Does the recommended technology match the needs, limitations, interests, and characteristics of the person?

• Training and Follow-up – Is training available for the user and support people (e.g. family member, spouse, sibling, significant other, co-worker, teacher)? Will continuous follow-up be provided after the intervention has taken place?

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