AT Assessment
The processes for “Consideration” and “Assessment” are different. The most obvious differences between AT Consideration and AT Assessment are those of depth and duration. AT Consideration is a short discussion that takes place during the IEP meeting using known information and results in the decision to continue something already being used or to try, or not to try, AT. Assessment goes into much more detail, looking closely at the student’s abilities and difficulties and the demands of the environments and tasks. AT Assessment also includes the acquisition of new information.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology
5th Edition, June 2009. Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
| Differences Between Consideration and Assessment |
| Consideration |
Assessment |
- Can occur within an IEP meeting – may take under 10-20 minutes
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- Is completed over the span of days, weeks, or even months outside of the IEP meeting
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- Can be completed with information the team already knows
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- Involves obtaining new information to make a decision about needed supports
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- Looks at the student’s ability to achieve with/without assistance to receive a FAPE
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- Takes multiple interactions with the student, family, school staff and involves demonstrations and trials of AT to find a match
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- Is ongoing and should be a continual part of the student’s education planning
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- Is conducted within the student’s customary educational setting by a multidisciplinary team knowledgeable about AT devices and services. If at least one team member is not knowledgeable about AT, the team must know where/how to seek assistance
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- When outside assessments have been conducted, the IEP team must consider the results in any decision made with respect to the provision of a free and appropriate public education
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