Assistive Technology Assessment Models

The following section provides an overview of two AT assessment models, the Adaptations Framework and the SETT Model. These assessment models provide the necessary guidelines and questions to gather data during an AT evaluation. The SETT model is used primarily by education professionals, but  can be used in other settings as well by simply adapting some of the school-related questions to fit the desired environment. The Adaptations Framework can be used across settings.

The Adaptations Framework

Due to the emphasis of legislations such as the ADA of 1990 and IDEA of 1997 on the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in ALL environments; and the role of AT in adapting those environments, Bryant and Bryant (1998) developed the Adaptations Framework. The Adaptations Framework guides decision makers in exploring a persons needs for adequate adaptations including the use of AT (Bryant & Bryant, 2003). This model can assist parents, teachers, and other school/work professionals in exploring and considering the types of AT that will aid a person in becoming more independent across environments.

The Adaptations Framework first examines the setting/task demands and then focuses on the individual’s strengths and needs. It also guides users to explore adequate AT interventions (provision of AT devices) that best fit the individual’s strengths and needs by identifying potentially beneficial AT devices across the AT continuum. Finally, it helps evaluate the effectiveness of the AT intervention.

The SETT Model

SETT is an acronym standing for Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools. When using this model, each of those four categories are considered in that order. The SETT Model is similar to the Adaptations Framework in that it is a method to collect the information necessary to make an educated AT recommendation that will result in an ideal person-technology match. Aside from the settings they are used in, the primary difference between the Adaptations Framework and the SETT Model is the way they address tasks. Although the SETT model addresses tasks, adapting tasks is not the main focus. The student and the student's abilities are the center of the SETT Model.

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