Assistive Technology

Early Intervention Program regulations define assistive technology service as "a service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. Assistive technology service includes: 

 (a) the evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;  

 (b) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities; 

 (c) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; 

 (d) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; 

 (e) training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities or, if appropriate, that child's family; and, 

 (f) training or technical assistance for professionals, (including individuals providing early intervention services) or other individuals who provide services to, or are otherwise substantially involved in, the major life functions of individuals with disabilities." 

 

Assistive technology services should be delivered by qualified personnel using the service delivery models and reimbursement mechanisms provided for in program and reimbursement regulations.  

 

Examples of assistive technology services include installing, customizing or adapting equipment; assisting children benefiting from these devices, and training of parents and other caregivers (including child care providers) in using assistive technology devices to improve children's functional capabilities. Customizing equipment can include constructing new equipment or fitting commercial items to an individual child (for example, a tri-wall insert can be made for a child to provide a customized fit in a chair or child-seat). Training of parents and caregivers can include specific instruction on the use of the device or follow-up visits to make adjustments to the device.