Factors to Consider when Choosing an Assistive Technology

When choosing the best possible assistive technology for your child, it is important to understand your child's strengths and weaknesses as well as their likes and dislikes. A child's assistive technology needs will change depending on their environment such as home, school etc. So, from this, the perspectives of family members and teachers, as well as the child, should all be taken into consideration. 

The following questions should be considered in determining which assistive technology best suits your child:

• What does your child need to do but is unable to do because of his/her disability?
  Make sure to consider these 5 areas of functioning: physical, communication, cognitive, social/emotional, academic.
• What are your child’s customary environments? 
  (Classroom, playground, bus, gym, school cafeteria)
• What are your child’s biggest educational challenges
  (Communication, mobility, reading, writing, behavior)
• What assistive technology tools are available to help your child overcome these challenges? 
  Make sure to consider both high-tech and low-tech options.
• What criteria will be used to later determine if the AT has been successful in helping your child in his/her educational program?
• What are your child’s preferences in areas such as color and style? 
  A child may resist using a piece of equipment that he/she thinks is “nerdy” and sets him apart from the rest of the class. A device that is less conspicuous may be preferred by the child in order to better “fit-in.”

(Family Centre on Technology and Disability, 2010)

From these questions, the parent and teacher should be able to list all of the possible assistive technologies that could help and assist the child. It is usually best to try many different options before choosing an appropriate one. 

Remember that as a parent/teacher you are the child's most effective advocate. It is crucial that the parents and teacher have a collaborative relationship in order to share information about the most effective assistive technologies. Assisitve technology can be an invaluable component in your child’s daily life. They can allow children to participate more fully with their peers and increase their functionality. It is important to research and determine which assistive technology would be most beneficial to the child to ensure that he/she has every opportunity to reach their full potential (Family Centre on Technology and Disability, 2010).

Hopefully this helps you when deciding which assistive technology to use!!

Ciao 

MIss Assistive Technology

Family Centre on Technology and Disability. (2010). Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology. Retrieved 2 October, 2010 from http://www.fctd.info/resources/fig/Sec2.htm#d