Assistive Technology Evaluation Procedures

An Assistive Technology Evaluation is a service provided by the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center (OATC) in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services. OATC uses a systematic process to evaluate the student’s need for assistive technology (AT) in his/her customary environment.  The cost of an AT Evaluation is $750.00.  IEP teams may consider a free AT Consultation prior to requesting a full Assistive Technology Evaluation.  For more information on AT Consultations, please see Assistive Technology Consultation Procedures.

Through collaboration with the student’s IEP team, the goal of an AT Evaluation is to:

  • Facilitate the process of collecting and analyzing information about the student;
  • Identify the specific area(s) of concern and tasks in the student’s educational environment in which the student is experiencing difficulties;
  • Assist in generating potential AT solutions;
  • Provide specific AT equipment, software, or other supports for a 30 day trial period;
  • And provide the IEP team with a systematic way to monitor the student’s ongoing AT needs after the initial AT evaluation has taken place.   

The Assistive Technology Evaluation process from OATC includes:

  • The IEP team completing the AT Evaluation Request Form.
  • Scheduling and completing an initial SETT meeting with the IEP team to collect and analyze information related to the student’s abilities/needs, the student’s environment, and the tasks/curriculum/goals in which the student is expected to participate, using the SETT Framework developed by Joy Zabala. This framework includes identifying the barriers that prevent the student from independently accessing the school environment and/or completing identified tasks.  The desired final outcome of this meeting is to clearly identify the main question(s) to be answered through the evaluation process to promote participation/learning in the educational environment.  The anticipated time to complete this meeting is 1-2 hours.  Any individuals who work directly with the student and can provide information about the student’s abilities and needs in the educational environment along with the parent(s), and the student (when appropriate) comprise the SETT team.
  • OATC staff working with the SETT team to generate possible AT solutions, including potential AT devices and/or strategies specific to the student’s needs given the demands of the educational environment(s). 
  • OATC staff scheduling time to observe the student during typical educational activities, with a focus on the previously identified areas of concern.  This may take place during multiple visits and within different school environments.  At this time, OATC staff may conduct informal and/or formal assessments and may provide the student initial opportunities to explore specific equipment or software related to the identified area(s) of concern.

  • Assisting the SETT team in developing a trial action plan.  This includes:
    • identifying criteria for success
    • developing data collection strategies
    • providing equipment/software for 30 day trial
    • providing training as needed
    • determine next meeting date to review progress

At this point, OATC staff will complete and submit a written evaluation report to the primary contact at the student’s school as well as to the parent(s), summarizing the evaluation process and recommendations.  Upon completing the AT trial period, it will be up to the IEP team to review progress and make any decisions about permanent use.  Assistive technology needs may change over time as the student changes environments and the student’s tasks change with each grade.  It is hoped that by facilitating the initial AT Evaluation, OATC will provide the IEP team with the skills and tools to conduct their own ongoing AT Evaluation process.    

Once the AT Evaluation report has been submitted, OATC may be available, at the request of the IEP team, to provide additional AT equipment/software for trial, catalogues and company information for specific AT products, and information about AT training opportunities. 

Assistive Technology Evaluation Request Form