Please contact Jen Martinous at jenm@techaccess-ri.org for information about our services and our referral process.
TechACCESS provides assistive technology evaluations, consultations and trainings for children and students from Early Intervention (Birth to 3) through Grade 12 (or the age of 21). We also provide consultation services and training to educational team members and families to insure that they are able to support students fully in school, the community and at home.
Choosing the right technology to meet an individual’s needs requires clinical expertise, understanding of the individual’s functional capabilities, and access to a variety of technologies. An Assistive Technology evaluation must be tailored to the unique needs of the student.
An Assistive Technology Evaluation is a critical component of determining the best Assistive Technology tool, and the evaluation should be conducted in a collaborative manner, facilitated by an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Consideration should be given to the Student, the Environment, the Task(s), and the Tools, otherwise known as SETT (Zabala, 2010). An AT Evaluation will help IEP (Individualized Education Plan) teams determine what are the best Assistive Technology supports for students to access curriculum as required by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act). While there are a wide range of tools and supports available, an ATP provides a critical role in guiding teams in the selection, acquisition, and use of Assistive Technology for students and individuals.
A good Assistive Technology Evaluation should:
- Be conducted in the educational environment, if possible
- Be performed by an individual who has expertise in assistive technology/augmentative communication
- Allow the individual an opportunity to trial an array of devices, both low and high tech
- Provide the IEP team with written recommendations
There is no formal or specific “test” for evaluating the need for assistive technology. An assistive technology evaluation should be conducted by a licensed professional, and provide a written report that includes recommendations for accommodations, modifications, devices, and services based on the individual’s strengths, needs, and the functional tasks they need to perform. Evaluations for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) should be provided by a certified Speech Language Pathologist. For additional information, visit this ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) web page: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need an evaluation? Does he/she qualify?
Any child with an IEP or 504 Plan is eligible for assistive technology services. Your child’s need for AT should be considered every year as part of the IEP/504 Plan process. Students in Early Intervention may also be eligible through their IFSP. If your child is enrolled by you in private school, he/she may still be eligible for services. He or she will have a “service plan” as opposed to an IEP, which can include AT.
How do I request an evaluation?
You can make a request for an assistive technology evaluation at any time to the Special Education Administrator in your district or to your Early Intervention Case Manager. It is best to make the request in writing. In the case of students aged 3-21, the Special Education Administrator may call for the IEP team to meet to review your request.
Who pays for the evaluation?
The cost for an AT evaluation is typically covered by the school department/agency that writes your child’s IFSP/IEP/504 Plan. School departments have the option to use your child’s Medicaid funds to be partially reimbursed for the cost of an evaluation and any recommended equipment. If they choose to do so, they must obtain your permission. If Medicaid funds are used, the equipment belongs to your child, not the school district.
Do you take private health insurance?
Yes! We are able to provide AAC and AT services through several private insurance carriers. These services may be appropriate for students who need additional/specialized speech or OT services outside of those provided for in their IEP. Please see the Private Insurance section under the Services tab.
Does that mean that my child’s school doesn’t need to provide services?
No. Districts are still responsible for providing Assistive Technology tools and services if they are required by your child to meet their educational goals and objectives as outlined in their IEP. Our center-based services may be appropriate for students who need additional/specialized speech or OT services outside of those provided for in their IEP.
What information is needed to begin receiving services at TechACCESS?
We require copies of a current IEP/504 Plan and current evaluations; a letter from the referring school district authorizing services; and a copy of our Referral Form, completed by the educational team. All referrals should be sent to the attention of our Clinical Manager, Jennifer Martinous. If you wish to e-mail your referral, please send it to jenm@techaccess-ri.org.
Download the referral form here in PDF
What types of services do you provide?
We provide services that address the following areas of need: communication; educational/curriculum supports in the areas of reading and writing; and support for physical access to the educational environment/educational tools.
What Qualifications/Certifications do the Staff of TechACCESS Have?
Our staff consists of Certified Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists who have extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of assistive technology and augmentative communication. Many of our staff members are also certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP).
What is an ATP?
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) – A service provider who analyzes the needs of consumers with disabilities, assists in selection of appropriate assistive technology for the consumer’s needs, and provides training in the use of the selected device(s).
Certification for ATPs is provided by Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).
The ATP certification recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology for the consumer’s needs, and providing training in the use of the selected device(s).
To view our staffs’ individual qualifications, visit The TechACCESS Team page.
Do you provide informational workshops for parent groups?
Yes. Please contact us for additional information.
Click HERE to download/print a flyer about our services for children.