1. Assistive Technology Evaluation for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Ike Presley
American Foundation for the Blind
739 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30308

2. Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation
Topics to Cover
Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation
Preparing for the Evaluation
Completing the AT Considerations Checklist
Completing the AT Evaluation Checklist
Completing the Recommendations Checklist
Writing the Final Report
Presenting the Evaluation Report
Implementing the AT Recommendations
Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

3. Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation
Preparing for the Evaluation
Working with the Team
Gathering Background Information
Ophthalmologic Exam
Clinical Low Vision Evaluation
Functional Low Vision Evaluation
Learning Media Assessment
Psychological Evaluation
Academic and Other Evaluations
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4. Completing the AT Considerations Checklist
What tasks is the individual having difficulty completing?
What modifications and adaptations have been implemented?
Are these working?
What assistive technology has been implemented?
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5. What is the Assistive Technology Evaluation Form?
Guide for service provider wishing to determine technology needs
Checklist of items and tasks
Looking for three types of information
Does individual have sensory skills needed
Visual, tactile, auditory
Does individual have physical skills needed
Does individual have cognitive skills needed
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6. What is the Assistive Technology Recommendations Form?
Checklist of items to be recommended
Tools and strategies for
Accessing printed information
Accessing electronic/digital information
Writing
Producing materials in alternate formats
Assistive Technology for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Guide to Assessment, AFB Press
Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

7. Preparing for the Assistive Technology Evaluation
May require multiple team members to complete
Not all items will be applicable
Team members will need to
Prepare materials in alternate formats
Gather access equipment
Become familiar with its operation
Multiple sessions may be required
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8. Completing the Technology Evaluation Checklist
How will the individual access printed information?
Regular print with optical devices
Large print
Non-optical devices
Braille & tactile
Auditory
Reading rates
Will they use a combination of tools?
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9. Accessing Print Visually
Can individual read without modification or optical devices?
At what distance
Which fonts
Is this effective and efficient?
Can individual read with eyeglasses or contact lens?
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10. Enlarged Print
Can individual read without modification or an optical device?
At what distance
What % of enlargement is needed?
Is this effective and efficient?
Can individual read with eyeglasses or contact lens?
Does the reduced clarity cause problems?
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11. Large Print What point size at what distance?
Various sizes for reading
One size for writing
What’s the preferred font?
Info may be available form FVE
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12. How will individual access printed information?
Optical Devices
Has individual received a Clinical Low Vision Evaluation?
What was recommended? Need for multiple tools
Tools for spot reading
Tools for continuous text reading
Tools for distance reading tasks
Manual tools / electronic tools
How well does the individual use the devices?
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13. Accessing Print Optical Devices Reading Rates Visual fatigue issues
Physical fatigue issues
Reading Rates
Does individual understand which tools are best for various tasks?
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14. Non-optical Devices What’s the best lighting for various tasks?
Natural / artificial
School/work environment
General environment
Functioning at night or in low light environments
What other non-optical devices might be useful?
Book/reading stands / copy holders
Activities of Daily Living
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15. Accessing Print Tactilely
Braille & Tactile
Braille reading skills
May need other evaluation tools
Tactile graphics reading skills
Which production method
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16. Accessing Print Auditorily
Any hearing impairments
Any auditory processing issues
Working with readers
Acquiring
Using efficiently
Audio recordings
Scan and read systems
Synthesized speech
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17. Accessing Electronic / Digital Information
How will individual access electronic information?
Screen Enlarging Hardware
Screen Magnification Software
Refreshable Braille Display
Screen Reading Software
What input devices will they use?
Will they use a combination of tools?
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18. Screen Enlarging Hardware
Will a larger monitor suffice?
Will a fully articulated monitor arm work?
Combining with OS accessibility
Display setting
Accessibility features
Combine with freeware/shareware screen magnification software
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19. Screen Magnification Software
Tasks to be completed
What features are needed
Low cost programs / minimal features
Intermediate priced programs
Full featured programs
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20. Accessing Electronic Information Tactiley
Refreshable Braille Display
Tactile access
Requires screen reader software
Dedicated device
Portable device
Electronic notetaker
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21. Accessing Electronic Information Auditorily
Screen Reading Software
Low cost freeware/shareware
Full featured program
Understand sentences, words, characters
Understand command and navigational structure
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22. Interfacing with Computer
Input Devices
Keyboard
Are keyboarding skills adequate
Mouse/trackball
Visual and physical coordination
Touch screen
Performing gestures
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23. Performing Writing Tasks
How will individual communicate through writing?
Standard Handwriting Tools
Adaptive Handwriting Tools
Braille Writing Tools
Electronic Writing Tools
Will they use a combination of tools?
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24. Recommendations for Assistive Technology
Completing the Recommendations Checklist
Accessing printed information
Accessing electronic information and computer access
Communicating through writing
Additional hardware and software
Training for service providers
Tools for producing materials in alternate formats
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25. Organizing Info for the Final Report
Use data from evaluation to make recommendations
Group recommendations by tasks
Use generic terms / not product names
Screen reading software – not JAWS
List specific features required
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26. Writing the Final Report
Provide rationale and justification for each recommendation
Emphasize efficiency gained from using technology
Emphasize multiple tasks accomplished with tools
Emphasize possible cost savings
Fewer pieces of equipment to purchase
Savings in staff time for material production
In-house material production vs. purchasing
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27. The Final Steps Presenting evaluation report to team
Use a 1-2 page synopsis
Numbered list of recommendations
Include detailed report
Provides rationale and justification
For each numbered recommendation
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28. Implementing the AT Recommendations
Acquiring the technology
Staff training
User training
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29. Assistive Technology Tools
It takes a toolbox full of tools to be successful
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30. Ike Presley American Foundation for the Blind 739 W
Ike Presley American Foundation for the Blind 739 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA
Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.