AT ASSESSMENTS

Assistive technology (AT) assessments seek to determine technology for a user and their home, school, and work environments to promote independence, safety, and quality of life. An assessment can evaluate if technology is appropriate for individuals with varying disabilities and their caregivers to achieve goals for mobility, sensory integration, daily living, communication, reading, writing, organization, and more.

Each assessment can include:*

• Initial review: After authorization is received, the client or guardian completes referral and disclosure paperwork and provides relevant medical information for the assessor’s review prior to the AT assessment. Once the referral paperwork is received, the assessment can be scheduled either in-person within 50 miles of Portland or via telehealth for greater distances.
• In-person (or virtual) assessment: The assessment is a semi-structured in-person or virtual meeting that includes the client and guardian (if applicable), assessor, and the client’s applicable support team. In this meeting, the assessor will gather information about the client’s goals, independence, strengths, barriers, technology history, the environments involved in their routine, and more as needed. This may involve direct observation of the client. No technology recommendations are made at this time.
• Research: Following the meeting, the assessor will research assistive technology to identify what they believe will best match the client’s preferences, profile, and goals. This process can take multiple hours and is completed independent of the client and their support team.
• Report: The assessment information, including device recommendations, will be presented in a final comprehensive report. Device recommendations in this report will include prices, links where the devices can be purchased, and rationale for use. The report will also include information about trials for the recommended devices, if available.
• Trials (if available): If trials of the recommended devices are available, the client can test assistive technology to ensure their potential for success prior to purchases. Or some purchases may include complimentary free trial periods. Keep in mind that learning and implementing technology solutions can be a gradual progress, however, so the full potential of a device may not be observable in a short timespan.
• Further research & recommendations (if needed): Following available device trials, more time may be required to identify alternative technology options and/or strategies.
• Training: Training on the assistive technology can help ensure carryover of its intended use, progress towards the clients’ goals, and decreased risk of technology abandonment.

*Please note: An assistive technology assessment is limited by the number of reimbursable hours allotted annually by the client’s payor source. Research, further recommendations, and training beyond the final report may be affected.

Visit Maine CITE’s resource list for a complete list of Maine AT assessment providers.