The first section, "Conduct your own technology needs assessment" is the most critical part of the entire process. Potential users should spend some time thinking about their own  technology needs before they contact a professional about an assessment. By doing so they become self educated, they can talk to the professional about their own needs/wants better and they can better advocate for their own needs. Use the questions listed in number 1 as a guide. Answer the questions as thoroughly as possible and be sure to discuss your responses with any professional you choose to help you make a technology decision. Remember, the more informed you are as a consumer, the better choices you can make.

1. Conduct your own technology needs assessment.

Get a better understanding of what technology can do for you. By answering these questions, you will be able to effectively communicate your technology needs to a health professional.

Why do you want to use technology? Examples: To increase independence; to improve quality of life; to increase productivity at work or in school; to enhance function; to save energy; other.

For what activities will you be using technology? Examples: complete homework for school; use database at work; transportation; answer the telephone; eating; communicate with others; other.

How are you completing these activities now? Consider: Any technologies you're using to complete these activities; the different types of equipment that could be used to complete these activities; your level of independence in completing these activities and amount of assistance required; amount of time spent on these activities; amount of energy spent on these activities.

Consider your daily routine. When and how often would you use technology throughout a typical day? Examples: 1-3 hours; 3-6 hours; 6-9 hours; 9+ hours.

What goals do you plan on achieving by using technology? Examples: Use computer to surf the Internet or check email; drive car to work; communicate independently; other.

Consider where, as in what environment you'll be using technology. Examples: Home; workplace; school; community; other.

Are these environments accessible for technology? Consider: Whether assistance is required for setting up the technology; whether the technology can be easily transported to the desired environment.

Picture yourself using technology to complete your activities in your environment(s). Consider: How you will feel about the equipment aesthetically; how you will feel using this equipment with family, friends, coworkers and others; if you can realistically see yourself using the technology.

2. Physician's referral.

You must have a physician's referral before you can be evaluated for technology by an O.T. or P.T. for medical purposes. You may not need a physician referral for other types of evaluations.

3. Evaluation.

You may be asked several of the questions listed in the needs assessment (above). In addition the evaluator may test range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, positioning, vision, hearing, communication skills, cognitive skills, psycho social issues, or other areas relevant to you and your specific technology product.

4. Intervention.

The intervention phase may or may not be a part of the evaluation. In this phase, the professional will arrange for you to try some equipment. During a technology trial, the professional is looking to see how functional you are with the use of the equipment and whether or not you like using it.

The professional may adjust the equipment or modify your positioning to find out what works best for you. After you and the professional determine the appropriate piece of equipment for you, the professional writes a report and letter of justification for funding. The report, letter of justification and prescription (if necessary) are forwarded to the funding source.

5. Training/Modification.

Once the equipment arrives, the evaluator or the equipment vendor usually provides the training. A Rehabilitation Technologist may be present as well to make any equipment modifications. During the training session, the professional may adjust the equipment, arrange for follow-up visits and indicate who should be contacted for questions, repairs and servicing. The amount of training provided varies according to the type of equipment, your individual abilities and the amount of training covered by your funding source(s).

Reference: Hammel, J. & Luebben, A. (1996).  Assistive technology in occupational therapy: what is it, why do I need to know it and what do I need to know? In J. Hammel (Ed.), Assistive Technology & Occupational Therapy: A Link to Function, (Section 1). Bethesda: AOTA.

Adapted from Chicagoland Assistive Technology: http://www.uic.edu/ahp/OT/AT/road.html