Assistive Technology Services

Assistive Technology Assessment

According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (AITA), assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. 

AT can range from low-tech devices, to sophisticated and complex combination of hardware and software. The goal of an assistive device is to work with the individuals' abilities and elevate them in ways that creates an equal opportunity for participation in activities for all individuals with disabilities. 

AT assessments provided here can be categorized as:

• K-12 - for ages 6 - 18

  • Referrals for service for K-12 students are mainly from their school district.  On receiving a referral we request to be provided with their IEP (Individualized Educational Plan), psycho-educational testing report if applicable, and other documentation that provides the evaluator information related to the actions taken by the school district to help them with their ability to complete all educational tasks.

  • Communication is key to a good evaluation. To achieve this, we request that the students' team members, which usually include their general education teachers, special education teachers, therapists, provide us their observation of the student in the classroom or school. Access samples of work, and anecdotal narratives of their observation of the student in the classroom as it pertains to learning.

  • Parents and their feedback is also critical. Often, their observation of the students' ability to work at home, independently or not, is important to the process of the evaluation.

  • All assessments are in-person.

• Post-secondary education

  • AT assessments are provided to students who are either in post-secondary education or exploring the option to pursue higher education.

  • These are referrals from vocational rehabilitation agencies like ACCES-VR or NYS Commission for the Blind. Independent referrals are also accepted. 

  • All tasks related to being a student in college are addressed. AT tools that can bridge the learning gap are identified. Tools recommended often address independent reading, writing, note taking and learning. 

  • These services are provided both in-person or through virtual meetings. 

• Adults in the workforce

  • Job site assessments are provided for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty completing tasks required of them.

  • The process of providing this assessment requires:

    • A breakdown of all required tasks

    • Identifying existing barriers

    • Identifying assistive technology that interfaces with their current system and helps bridge the accessibility barrier

  • Assessment includes communication with the participant, immediate supervisor, and IT. 

Assistive technology assessments are most effective when the approach is team based. An identified tool is only as effective as its integration into the everyday use. It is therefore, the philosophy of this company, to work collaboratively with key individuals in the schools, colleges, or worksites, to identify the most effective AT interventions. 

Assistive Technology Training: Empowering Success

Proper training on the use of recommended assistive devices is crucial for individuals receiving both hardware and software. It ensures users understand how to seamlessly integrate these tools into their daily tasks, ultimately helping them achieve their goals more effectively.

Our individualized and group training sessions are tailored to the specific tasks at hand, and focus on the most efficient methods to accomplish them. Key areas covered during the training include:

• Installation & Setup: Ensuring all recommended products are appropriately installed and working well

• Task Breakdown: Simplifying tasks into manageable components for use with assistive technology (AT) 

  • Writing Tools: Training on how to use word processing software like MS Word, Google Docs, and other tools with recommended AT. 

  • Navigating Learning Management Systems (LMS): Effectively reading and interacting with platforms such as Brightspace, Google Classroom, Canvas, and more. 

  • Library Navigation: Learning how to download and read articles or textbooks using assistive technology. 

  • File Management: Efficiently organizing and managing digital files.

  • Note-Taking Tools: Utilizing advanced tools for effective note-taking. 

  • Accessing Alternative Learning Materials: Navigating through books and other resources with assistive technology. 

  • Bluetooth Devices: Connecting and using headsets, recording devices, and other Bluetooth-enabled assistive tools. 

Assistive devices, such as text-to-speech tools, often include built-in study aids designed to help users better organize content and enhance comprehension. Learning to use these tools properly can improve efficiency and help individuals keep pace with academic or professional demands.

We also encourage team training, where all key stakeholders—whether in a school, college, or workplace—are trained together to ensure full integration and support.

Empower your success with the right training—because using assistive technology effectively makes all the difference.