Assistive Technology Evaluations

Understanding Assistive Technology Evaluations

This site explains what assistive technology (AT) evaluations are, who they may help, the settings where they take place, and how the evaluation process generally works. An AT evaluation is a collaborative process for identifying a person's access needs and matching helpful features, strategies, and tools to those needs across school, home, work, and community settings, and throughout the lifespan.

What Is an AT Evaluation?

An assistive technology evaluation looks at the person, the tasks they want or need to do, and the environments where those tasks happen. Rather than starting with a specific product, the process starts with access needs and then matches features, strategies, and tools to those needs. Depending on the situation, an evaluation may consider access barriers, feature matching, technology trials where appropriate, environmental factors, implementation and training needs, documentation, recommendations, and follow-up. Learn more on our What Is an AT Evaluation? page.

Who Evaluations May Help & Where They Happen

AT evaluations may help people of any age who face barriers to communication, learning, computer or device access, reading and writing, vision, mobility, daily living, or participation at school, at home, at work, or in the community. Evaluations may take place across these settings and are tailored to the individual rather than to a diagnosis. Major categories include Educational AT Evaluations and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Evaluations, with additional evaluation types planned. See Who May Need an AT Evaluation? to explore functional access needs in more detail.

Why Choose Us?

Our approach to assistive technology evaluations offers:

Experience across settings: Our team has experience in areas including special education, reading, mathematics, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and assistive technology. Assistive technology evaluations are conducted by a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with a Ph.D. and extensive experience in special education and assistive technology. Professional experience includes AAC, alternative access methods, curriculum and environmental modifications, computer access, visual access, educational technology, and supporting individuals with complex access needs. Recommendations are developed through a functional, individualized process focused on the person, the tasks being performed, the environments in which technology will be used, and the features needed for successful access and participation.

Individualized recommendations: Every evaluation is tailored to the unique needs of the individual and their environments.

Collaborative approach: We work closely with individuals, families, educators, and teams so that recommendations align with real-world goals.

Our Process

Initial Consultation: We review existing evaluations and identify areas of concern.

Comprehensive Assessment: Our evaluators conduct thorough observations, interviews, and testing to gather data.

Detailed Reporting: Receive a written report with findings and actionable recommendations.

Follow-Up Support: We’re available to guide implementation and provide additional training if needed.

Benefits of an AT Evaluation

Objective perspective: An evaluation offers a structured, individualized look at a person's access needs.

Access to helpful tools and strategies: Evaluations aim to identify features, strategies, and tools that may support participation and independence.

Information for decision-making: Written findings and recommendations can help individuals, families, and teams make informed choices.

Support for planning: Recommendations may inform education, home, or workplace planning, depending on the setting. An evaluation identifies needs and matches options; it does not guarantee a particular outcome.

Get Started Today

Ready to learn more or request an assistive technology evaluation? Contact us to ask a question, discuss a possible evaluation, or find out what to expect. We work with individuals, families, schools, and organizations.

Please note: The information on this website is general educational information about assistive technology evaluations. It is not medical, legal, insurance, or educational advice, and it does not replace an individualized professional evaluation. General information is different from the individualized findings and recommendations that come from a professional evaluation. We do not guarantee any specific medical, legal, educational, funding, or device outcome. Families with questions about legal rights should consult applicable procedures or qualified assistance.

For school systems, purchase orders may be accepted.