If you have never had a professional assessment of your abilities before, this can be very helpful in determining the appropriate technology. For example, if you have limited mobility in one area, a professional could recommend devices which minimize the strain of overuse of these muscles and joints. There are many different types of assessments, depending on what you want to do and on your disability characteristics. A good assessment matches you to the best assistive technology and can require more than one evaluation. Each evaluation looks at specific things based on your abilities and what you want to do.
Who you choose to help you make an AT decision depends primarily on four factors:
If you have never had a professional assessment of your abilities before, this can be very helpful in determining the appropriate technology. There are many different types of assessments, depending on what you want to do and on your disability characteristics. A good assessment matches you to the best assistive technology and can require more than one evaluation. Each evaluation looks at specific things based on your abilities and what you want to do.
To learn more about assessments/evaluations, please read the artile "How to Get a Good Assistive Technology Assessment" in the learn section of this web page.
The AT Directory includes resources for evalautions. You can also contact your local Disability Network/Center for Independent Living for assistance in finding professionals for evaluation.
Go to Step 3: Identify Devices or Services to Meet Your Need