Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 4 – Assistive Technology for Communication
• Inverse Scanning-The user maintains switch activation while the items are presented and
releases the switch when the desired item is reached.
• Step Scanning-The switch is activated and re-activated to indicate each target item.
♦ Scan Rate is the speed at which the scan indicator moves across the item choices. It is usually
adjustable to accommodate the user’s needs.
θ System Process-The communication functions performed by the system including the type of
representation used for vocabulary (symbols, icons, text), user programmability, dynamic or static
display, memory for storage of messages, and text-to-speech and coding systems to expand and
accelerate vocabulary.
θ System Output-The means by which the message is transmitted or conveyed to the communication
partner (digitized speech, synthesized speech, visual output, print).
θ Portability/Interface Issues-How a device will be transported and, if necessary, interfaced with
other assistive technology used by the student, such computers, environmental control units, and
seating systems.
θ Special Considerations-Cost, aesthetics, device flexibility, customer support and repair services,
compatibility with current and future equipment, ability to upgrade, technical complexity.
As you can see, this is a complicated process. However, there are some exciting resources, which can
make the process much easier. Each of them is a software program that assists you in making selections
and matching the students’ unique abilities and needs with features of various devices.
This first is a program called Evaluware which is designed to help you determine if the student can do
direct selection and if so, what size area he might be able to activate accurately, etc. Evaluware is from
Assistive Technology, Inc. and is designed to provide assessment activities for AAC and computer
access. It helps determine the range of motion, the size of button that a student can activate, the volume
setting needed, preferred type of voice, and more. It is divided into Listening Preferences, Looking
Preferences, Input Settings and Preferences, and Access Skills.
The second program specifically provides a feature match for augmentative communication devices.
AAC Feature Match from Doug Dodgen and Associates is available for either the PC or Macintosh. This
software program identifies the specific features of an augmentative communication system and allows
you to match the device with your student’s specific abilities. The software then selects the devices that
might meet the student’s need. The program contains over 120 devices and contact information for
vendors. In addition, annual updates to the database are available.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 107