The process for “Consideration” and “Assessment” are different.
The most obvious differences between Consideration and Assessment are those of depth and duration. Consideration is a brief discussion that takes place during the IFSP meeting using known information and results in the decision to continue something that is already being used or to try or not try assistive technology. Assessment goes into much more detail, looking closely at the student’s abilities and difficulties and the demands of the environment and tasks. Assessment also includes the acquisition of additional 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 the IFSP meeting-may take under 10-20 minutes
|
- Is completed over the span of days, weeks or even months, outside of the IFSP meeting
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- Can be completed with information the team already knows
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- Involves obtaining additional information to decide about needed supports
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- Looks at the student’s ability to achieve with/without assistance
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- Takes multiple interactions with the child and family 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 child’s future planning
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- Are conducted within the child’s customary settings by a multidisciplinary team knowledgeable about AT devices and services with at least one team member knowledgeable about AT (or knowing where/how to seek assistance)
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- Results-when conducted outside of the IFSP team- must be considered in any decision made with respect to the provision of early intervention services
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