AT for Early Childhood

Child using communication device

	Home
	Considering AT
	Can Do List
	Planning Hints for AT Assessments
	Making AT Decisions
	Writing AT into IFSP/IEPs
	Accommodation Game
	BCW AT Protocol
	Resources

Making Decisions

Before securing an assistive technology assessment or investigating device options, it is important to get a consensus among the child's program team members regarding whether assistive technology should be looked at as possible support tools for the various areas of the child's life and educational program. Below is another checklist that should be reviewed with the family and other team members, to: summarize regarding their perceptions about the child.

Please Note: This should not be viewed as a prescription or long-term decision. These selections are only to assist with beginning to address the need for an assistive technology plan.

Directions: Check what best describes what you expect your child will be doing in the near future. Check the areas that will need assistive technology supports.

1. Easier Communication

Child will communicate just like other children without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need help to communicate, but probably only a short time.
Child will probably need help to communicate throughout the time that s/he is in education program.
Child will probably need help to communicate for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

2. Better Mobility

Child will move around just like other children without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need help to move around, but probably only a short time.
Child will probably need help to move around throughout the time that s/he is in education program.
Child will probably need help to move around for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

3. Intellectual Growth

Child will use typical ways to learn from his/her environment and show what s/he knows without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need temporary modifications or alternative learning tools to learn from his/her environment, and to show what s/he knows.
Child will probably need modifications or alternative learning tools to learn from his/her environment, and to show what s/he knows throughout the time s/he is involved in the educational program.
Child will probably need help with learning and/or what s/he knows for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

4. Better Self-Care

Child will be able to independently eat, dress, bath, and take care of age-appropriate self-care needs just like other children without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need temporary help to care for his/her self-care needs, but will be independent.
Child will probably need help to take care of self-care needs throughout the time s/he is involved in the education program.
Child will probably need help caring for his/her self-care needs for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

5. Access to Play

Child will play with others, toys/games, and alone just like other children his/her age without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need some temporary help to play with others, toys/games, and alone, but probably only a short time.
Child will probably need help to play with others, toys/games, and alone throughout the time that s/he is in education program.
Child will probably need help to play with others, toys/games, and alone for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

6. Opportunities for Socialization

Child will easily and fully participate in age-appropriate socialization without special intervention.

If you did not check above, select one of the following:
Child will likely need some temporary help to easily/fully participate in age appropriate socialization.
Child will probably need help to easily/fully participate in age appropriate socialization throughout the time that s/he is in education program.
Child will probably need help to easily/fully participate in age appropriate socialization for the foreseeable future.
Based on the selection above, use of assistive technology should be investigated (check one)
AT needs to be investigated AT does not need to be considered at this time

[Return to top of page]