So now we know WHAT assistive technology is, we know the different kinds of assistive technology…. so now what? How do we assess our students for assistive technology? Now, a little disclaimer… while I will share with you the BASIC steps and guidelines I want to assure you that your district will have their own steps and protocols to follow. Also, you must have an assistive technology certificate or degree to authorize an assessment. Because of this, I just plan to outline the steps to give you an idea of what to expect when making requests for your students and how to meet their needs!
All of the page numbers refer to the wonderful resource, www.wati.org
-go under the tab “supports”
-scroll through these WONDERFUL resources
-to reference the page numbers below, find ASNAT Manual- 5th addition
Step
One
Select AT Assessment team members
(WATI Ch. 1, pp 13-14)
A person knowledgeable:
1. …about the student. This may be parents/family
member/student
2. …in curriculum – usually Special Ed Teacher
3. …in language – usually SLP
4. …in motor skills – OT or PT
5. …in districts’ resources – usually administrator
6. …in any other appropriate areas of deficit
Step
Two
Obtain signed assessment plan (follow district protocol)
Step
Three
AT Assessment Team Meeting Number One
A. WATI AT Assessment Directions/Procedure Guide (WATI Ch.
1, pp 16-17)
B. WATI AT Consideration Guide (WATI AT Ch. 1, pp 10-11
C. WATI AT Assessment-applicable sections only (WATI Ch 1,
pp 20-43)
D. AT Team member’s complete applicable sections prior to
next team meeting
E. Team members use “Gathering Information about
Environments and Tasks” form (WATI Ch 1, pp 45-51)
Step
Four
AT Assessment Team Meeting Number Two
A. Team members present results of Referral/Question
Identification Guide
(WATI Ch 1, pp 20-43. All members complete p 44)
B. Team selects appropriate AT device to test (WATI Ch 1, pp
52-63)
Step
Five
Begin trial use of device(s)
(WATI Ch 1, pp 64-67)
• How will you establish baseline?
• How will you measure impact from device on educational
outcomes?
Step
Six
AT Assessment Team Meeting Number Three
A. Team discusses AT trial results
B. Team creates collaborative AT report articulating trial
results/recommendations
C. Select appropriate/agreed upon AT device
D. Establish timeline to reconvene to evaluate and determine
next steps
