What Is an Assistive Technology Assessment?

A comprehensive AT assessment:
  • Determines which tools support the student’s individual visual and learning needs
  • Considers both current and future tasks the student must perform across educational and life domains
  • Is conducted for every student with an IEP to ensure Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Key Responsibilities of the School

Under IDEA, school districts must:
  • Evaluate AT needs in the student’s usual learning environment
  • Acquire (purchase, lease, borrow) AT devices
  • Select, fit, adapt, and customize AT tools
  • Provide training to the student, family, and educational team
  • Coordinate AT with other services (OT, PT, O&M, etc.)
  • Maintain, repair, or replace AT devices as needed

Steps in the AT Assessment Process

Gather Background Information
Collect:
  • Eye report (diagnosis, prognosis, acuities, fields, glasses)
  • Functional Vision Assessment (FVA)
  • Learning Media Assessment (LMA)
  • Clinical low vision evaluation results
  • TVI input on current AT use, accommodations, and functional needs
Initial TVI-Led Evaluation
The TVI assesses:
  • Access to print (magnification, auditory, or tactile)
  • Written output methods
  • Access to and use of computers/technology
  • Input methods for electronic devices
Collaborative Team Evaluation
Include:
  • AT Specialist
  • Classroom teachers
  • Therapists (as needed for students with additional disabilities)
Focus on:
  • Matching devices to the student’s tasks, environment, and needs
  • Determining the level of training/support required

Questions to Ask Before Choosing AT

  • What is the student’s primary learning modality (visual, auditory, tactile, or dual)?
  • Can the student use magnification effectively?
  • Are there motor, cognitive, or sensory considerations?
  • Will the tool meet long-term educational goals?
  • What training and support are required?
  • What environmental factors must be considered?
  • What tasks does the student need to complete with this device?

​AT Assessment Report

Should include:
  • Justification for the tool(s)
  • Required student training
  • Care and maintenance needs
  • Benefits and sources for obtaining the devices
  • Recognition that no single tool meets all needs

Printable Resources

Looking for VI AT printable resources? Supporting printables for VI AT Instruction can be found on the following AT pages. Subscribers can access these ready-to-use materials designed to support instruction and planning.
"Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." -IDEA, 2004, Part A, Definitions, §300.6

Resource Access

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Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
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​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
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Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​