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.
Assistive Technology Device
Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or
product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified,
or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the
functional capabilities of children with disabilities. This does not
include a medical device that is surgically implanted, including a
cochlear implant, or the optimization (e.g., mapping), maintenance, or
replacement of that device.
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.
Please view the Assisstive Technology Memorandum 99-1 that provides guidance on the appropriate selection and use of assistive technology devices and service for children eligible for the Early Intervention Program at https://www.health.ny.gov/guidance/oph/cch/bei/99-1.pdf