Assistive Technology Assessment for Blind and Low Vision Students
Assistive Technology (AT) Assessments are crucial for students who are blind or have low vision, as they help determine the most effective tools and strategies to support their learning and daily activities. As the person who best knows your child’s needs, you are a key part of the team that writes the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which will determine what services, supports, and assistive technologies the school will provide your child. Thus, it is important for you to understand what assistive technology is available and how the school will assess your child and their needs. Because the options and costs for assistive technology can be overwhelming, it will be helpful to better understand the assessment process, questions to ask, and where to find more information.
Child using the Monarch, a 10-line refreshable braille display
Assessment
You can request an Assistive Technology Assessment during the initial IEP meeting, annual IEP meeting, triannual IEP evaluation meeting, or any other time of year. The assessment can be completed by your school’s Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), a professional specializing in Assistive Technology Assessments, or a Low Vision Clinic, and in collaboration with your child’s OT, PT, or ST and other members of your child’s IEP team.
Assessment Process
Your child’s Assistive Technology Assessment will have different components. The assessors may ask you questions about what technology your child currently uses, how they use different tech at home, and any challenges you observe at home or in the community.
Ask Questions and Explore Technology Options
Since there are many different AT devices and features, it is important to have a basic understanding of the devices and uses. Visiting the manufacturer’s website or searching product videos on YouTube will allow you to learn more about devices and specific features. American Printing House for the Blind has many videos on their technology devices. This information will enable you to compare similar products and learn basic product features.
What Questions to Ask?
Child using the Chameleon
Having basic information about available AT allows you to ask the assessor and the IEP team further questions about the device’s abilities. It also enables you to help ensure they meet your child’s needs in their educational setting and community.
Here are some considerations:
- Support for troubleshooting
- Will the recommended device be part of a loaner program? (It may be helpful to arrange for your child to try the device first to ensure that it meets their needs.)
- Will it be purchased for your child?
Federal Quota Funding
One source of support for assistive technology is a program administered by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). The federal government funds the program to develop and distribute assistive technologies, books in accessible formats, and specially designed educational aids to eligible students who are blind or low vision. Each US state and territory receives funding to support school-aged students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind. You can read more about the Federal Quota Program here. However, the funding for this program is very limited.
If you would like more information about the quota program, the appropriation that funds it, or to learn about ways you can advocate for students served by the Federal Quota Program, please contact Erin Sigmund, Community Relations and Policy Advisor, at [email protected].
Additional Funding Options
Child using the Juno assistive technology
Beyond the Federal Quota Program, here are some additional options to consider for financially supporting obtaining AT.
- Blind and low vision students with open cases through Vocational Rehabilitation can ask if funding assistance is available.
- Connect with service organizations such as Lions Clubs and other community-based organizations that may help with cost-sharing or savings assistance.
- Utilize ABLE accounts, tax-advantaged savings accounts, that can fund disability expenses. Individuals or family members can contribute to these accounts.
- A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a program the Social Security Administration offers as part of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It helps individuals with disabilities return to work. If you currently receive SSI benefits or would qualify for them by setting aside income or resources to pursue a work goal, you may benefit from a PASS.
- The Rural Technology Fund is another organization that may be able to assist or cover the cost of AT devices.
- Delta Gamma Sorority’s philanthropy, Service for Sight, supports five schools founded by Delta Gammas that provide access and advocacy for people in the blind or visually impaired community. Connecting with your local chapter may provide additional support and funding for your specific needs.
- Grants and scholarships are valuable resources, with many specifically available to individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.
Learn More About Assessments for Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision