Technology Tips-August, 2008

Consumer Tips for Evaluating Assistive Technology Products

By: Marshall Raskind, Ph.D.

There are many assistive technology (AT) products available, and new tools are frequently released into the market. The first step to narrowing down your search for appropriate AT tools is to analyze several factors: your child’s individual needs, the particular task(s) she needs to accomplish, the AT tools that address her challenges, and the settings where she will use the technology. Once you have identified these key factors, you will want to be a savvy consumer regarding the quality, usability, and reliability of the AT tools themselves. This article will provide tips for doing exactly that.

Using the AT Tool in Different Settings

AT can help a child with a learning disability to function better at school as well as in other settings, such as home, work, social gatherings, and recreational events. Here are some questions to consider:

In what settings will the AT tool be used (e.g., home, school, work, and/or social settings)?
The right technology in one setting may be entirely wrong in another. Think about where she’ll use it, how it will be stored, and if you have the right furniture and electrical/electronic support for it. If your child will use the AT tool at school, the same considerations would apply to the classroom.

If the AT tool will be used in more than one place, how portable is it? Fortunately, hand-held and pocket-sized tools often are as useful as larger systems. A pocket-sized spell checker may work just as well as a computer with a spell check program, and it's much easier to carry around.

Product Usability and Reliability

As with any device or piece of equipment, you will want to know how user-friendly and reliable an AT tool is before you invest in it. Here are some questions to ask about a product’s reliability, usability, and quality:

How easy is it to learn about and operate?
How user-friendly is the AT tool? Instructions should be brief and easy to read. Commands for operating should be clear and simple. Directions should include a logical, step-by-step process for setting up and installing the technology, basic and advanced operating instructions, and what to do when things go wrong.

What is the quality of its visual display and/or auditory output (if applicable)?

Make sure the visual display and audio output are clear and easy for your child to see or hear.

How reliable is it?

Ask past and present users how well the product holds up. Does it always seem to be breaking down or need frequent repairs? You may find it helpful to have a local technical support system comprised of people who are familiar with your child’s AT tool or a similar one. This might include other parents, local support groups, teachers, technical support staff at your child’s school, and tutors. An Internet search of customer reviews may also help answer your questions.

Does it need to work with other technologies?

Make sure the AT product is compatible with related technologies. For example, software designed to work on a personal computer may not operate on a Mac at home or in the classroom. Also be sure any accessory items, such as a microphone to use with a computer, are available.

What technical support is available?

Even with the best instructions, you might need technical support. Select products that offer online and toll-free support (1-800 numbers), readily available field representatives, and convenient service locations. Also check the length, cost, and limitations of product warranties.

Try Before You Buy
Before you select an AT tool, take time to learn all you can about the products available. Have your child try out any AT tool or device you're considering purchasing. She’s the one who’s going to use or not use the technology. The "perfect" item can’t help her if she refuses to use it! Here is a list of resources to help you in the selection process:

Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) can help you find the nearest place to preview software in your area. To keep AT costs down, use readily available resources such as those listed below to access the technology or just to try it out.

Community
Community Technology Center's Network (CTCNet)
is composed of independent, not-for-profit community-based technology centers providing free or low cost access to computers and related technology.

Some community colleges have assistive technology centers where you and your child may be able to try out different types of AT tools (often geared for older students).

Schools
Your child’s school may have assistive technology tools available to try out. Even if your child’s school does not provide and pay for your child’s AT, don’t hesitate to use them as a resource before you purchase AT tools for your child.

Technology Companies/Manufacturers
Some software publishers have web sites that offer demonstration versions. Other publishers offer the "fully operable" program for a thirty-day preview. Check to see if free trial offers are available on the products you're interested in.

Conferences
Several assistive technology groups offer conferences where attendees can learn about and try out various AT tools:

Technology, Reading, and Learning Difficulties
California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities’’ Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference (for all disabilities)

Closing the Gap (for all disabilities)
You may also visit AT manufacturers when they exhibit at conferences hosted by learning disability organizations (e.g., Learning Disabilities Association of America and the International Dyslexia Association).

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