Assistive Technology Assessment

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
updated June 15, 2025
Assistive technology helps students who are blind or visually impaired:
  • Access the general curriculum
  • Improve academic performance
  • Increase independence
  • Prepare for future employment and independent living
AT is not an unfair advantage—it’s an equalizer that allows students to compete on a level playing field with peers.

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
"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

Accessing Free AT Forms

To access free printable AT forms for TVIs:
History of Visual Impairments
Professional Practice
Vision Professionals
Professionalism
Teacher Resources
Professional Publications
VI Book Resources
Family Resources
VI Referrals
Medical vision exams
visual diagnosis
fvlma
other evaluations