Key Components of an Assistive Technology Assessment

Assistive Technology (AT) assessments may be obtained from rehabilitation providers who are employed in settings such as medical facilities, universities, schools, non-profit agencies or in a private practice. While certification is not required, it can be beneficial.  The most common certification is the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) (www.resna.org).  Assessments provided by medical equipment dealers, manufacturer representatives, and private sales agents should adhere to the Vendors of Assistive Technology Expectations for Best Practices.


Providers of assistive technology assessments are expected to meet the criteria outlined in this document.

An assessment is generally requested by a consumer and/or the payer of the service (e.g. DVR, school district, long term care organization, etc.) to provide comprehensive information about the assistive technology options available to the consumer.  

There are many reasons to make a referral for an assistive technology assessment.  These reasons might include: 
?	Determining appropriate workplace or school accommodations
?	Determining appropriate assistive technology to facilitate independent living


Before the Assessment is Requested – Payor’s Responsiblities 
The referral source should supply the following information to the assessment provider:
•	What are the consumer’s goals? 
•	Why are you referring this person?
•	What is the functional outcome desired? 
•	What is the consumer’s disability or disabilities?
•	What is the impact of the disability or disabilities on functional skills?
•	What are the relevant environmental concerns?
•	Have appropriate releases of information been signed and has any relevant documentation been included with the referral? 


This document serves as a guide for payment resources to evaluate the content 
and quality of an assistive technology assessment.

Evaluating the AT Assessment – Components of a Comprehensive Assessment
An assistive technology assessment should inform the payor about how the consumer can benefit from assistive technology, including:
•	A description of the consumer’s disability as it relates to the assessment and relevant background information.
•	The specific type(s) of assistive technology solutions that were assessed and the pros/cons of each.
•	Identification of any variables that should be considered if the assessment did not occur in the setting where the technology will be used.
•	The specific type(s) of assistive technology being recommended.
•	How and why the equipment will specifically meet the consumer’s needs.
•	How the decision was reached (e.g. physical assessment with a variety of options, funding options available, etc.).
•	Where or from which vendor the appropriate equipment can be purchased.
•	Potential funding alternatives for the equipment.
•	The availability of a maintenance agreement, warranty or other safeguard, and whether this is included in the purchase price or available at an additional cost.
•	The anticipated cost of the equipment, training and maintenance.
•	Description of the repair procedures (e.g. shipped, in-home, remote service, etc.).
•	The availability of loaner equipment prior to purchase or during repair services.
•	Identification of training needs for the recommended device(s), who is able to provide that training (i.e. the vendor, manufacturer, or an outside provider), and training related expenses.

This document was created using source material from the Iowa Assistive Technology Program.  Agencies throughout the State of Wisconsin collaborated in this effort, including:
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons
Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DWD-Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.
IndependenceFirst
Milwaukee County Department on Aging
DHFS-Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired 
DHFS-Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DHFS-Office of Resource Center Development
UW Milwaukee-College of Health Sciences
UW Stout-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
WisTech

Full permission is granted to photocopy this document
To download an electronic version please visit:
www.atresourcecenter.org/bestpractices/html