Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 7 – Assistive Technology for Positioning, Seating, and Mobility
braces that help stabilize and/or position the body as it moves. A therapist or doctor usually fits these.
Bunched socks or a growth spurt can cause skin to breakdown so service providers should attend to
complaints of pain or discomfort. They should also alert family, caregivers and medical staff about
reports of pain so that adjustments can be made, as needed. Students may also use a walker or crutches.
Allowing extra time for these students to move between classes or locations if needed. Lots of walking
with braces or crutches can result in fatigue and make it difficult for the student to keep pace with peers.
Using alternate transport such as wagons, tricycles or sleds to go out to the playground or on field trips
can help decrease fatigue and make the trip much more enjoyable.
For students who have difficulty standing on their own, a variety of wheeled vehicles, such as manual
wheelchairs and strollers, may offer them increased movement opportunities around the school. For
those students who can control where they go by steering or switch controls, a scooter or powered
wheelchair can offer increased freedom. Special seating systems can be fitted by a therapist or doctor to
help position a child for maximum function. Powered mobility toys such as the GoBot can be used to
learn how to handle movement or to use the steering system they will be using on a wheelchair.
Transportation
Students may ride a bus to school and use their wheelchair or a specialized seating system to maintain
upright posture or safe positions while being transported on the bus. ADA and your state Department of
Public Instruction should offer guidelines for safe transport of special needs students.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 189