To determine the assistive technology needs of a child, an assessment should be conducted. The assessment can be conducted by the school, an independent agency, or an individual consultant. It is important that the assessment address the child’s strengths and weaknesses. It is key, when discussing how the child participates in his or her world, to hear the perspectives of teachers, parents and siblings, as well as that of the child. The discussion

should not be limited merely to what skills the child possesses but should include the ways in which a child communicates, what he likes and dislikes, and what kind of strategies and interventions are helpful in interacting with the child. Consideration must be taken on how a child’s need for assistive technology might change depending on the environment, for example on the playground, the classroom, a friend’s house or in a public place like a mall or  library. This type of input will provide clues as to what technology might work and how well your child will respond to it.

The end result of an assessment is a recommendation for specific devices and services. Once it is agreed that assistive technology would benefit a child, issues related to design and selection of the device, as well as maintenance, repair, and replacement of devices should be considered.

Training (to use the device) and ongoing technical assistance is necessary not only for the child, but also for family members, teachers, service providers, and other people who are significantly involved in a student’s life. It is also

important to integrate and coordinate any assistive technology with therapies, interventions, or services provided by education and rehabilitation plans and programs. Acquiring assistive technology does not just happen once in a lifetime. The type of devices your child needs may change depending on the child’s age, abilities, physical status, and features of the immediate environment. Change in your child’s life may necessitate a re-assessment of his or her assistive technology needs.