Overview of the Assistive Technology Evaluation

An Assistive Technology Evaluation is the process of determining what technology tools or strategies are needed to support or improve student learning. The AT evaluation is carried out by the student’s IEP team, which includes all special services providers (Resource teacher, OT, PT, Speech), their classroom teacher, and parents.

In a Formal AT evaluation the student's team will identify the school tasks of concern, assess the student’s abilities and needs, determine the IEP goals related to the task, identify assistive technology tools or strategies to try, obtain trial equipment, and document the effectiveness of the trial use.

Phase 1 Information gathering
The student’s IEP team meets to gather information about the student’s needs and abilities. Using the WATI Assistive Technology Consideration Guide, the team determines specific tasks, and what the student goals are for these tasks. During this phase questions which should be addressed include the specific difficulties the student is experiencing, information about challenges and needs as well as strengths, and areas in which assistive technology might be of assistance to the student.

Phase 2 Brain Storming & Idea Generating
Focusing on the specific features the student needs, the team discusses and identifies several assistive technology tools and strategies to try, then selects the best ideas to try.

Phase 3 Trial the Best Idea
The team obtains any equipment needed, determines goals (related to the students IEP) that this technology will address, the length of time for a trial (usually a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks), and begins the equipment test in specified learning environment(s). Information, or data, is collected during the trial period. At the trial review date the team reviews the results of the trial and decides the next step.

Phase 4 AT Plan in Practice
The student’s team puts the recommended assistive technology into practice, and monitors it’s effectiveness. Assistive technology assessment is an ongoing process, as the needs of students change over time.