Before the Assessment

1. Family, school or agency sends TTAP a referral form or contacts TTAP by telephone to request a technology assessment.
2. TTAP sends the family a Background Information Form to complete and return.
3. TTAP asks families for additional information such as:
1. Sign a release form to allow IEP’s or IFSP’s, medical records and school records or evaluations to be sent to the TTAP office.
2. Provide TTAP Core team with a 10 to 15 minute videotape of their child participating in day to day, home or school activities.
3. Suggest possible assessment dates and times that are convenient for them.
4. Name the child’s support personnel they would like to have attend the assessment to serve as members of the Child Support team.
4. TTAP Core team evaluates the preliminary information given in the Background Information Form, views the child’s videotape, and makes preliminary observations.
5. TTAP contacts the child’s Support team and invites them to attend the assessment.
1. Tentative days and times are given.
2. Tentative goals and objectives for the child are discussed.
6. TTAP contacts the child’s family again.
1. An assessment date and time is set.
2. Tentative goals and objectives for the child are discussed.
3. Family is asked to bring the child’s adaptive devices, toys, or appropriate snacks.
7. TTAP Core team prepares for the assessment.
1. Confirmation letters are sent to family and other members of the Support team.
2. A meeting of Core team members is held to discuss and evaluate strategies based on child’s records, background information and videotaped segment.
3. A tentative assessment agenda is organized.
4. Equipment, software, and materials are chosen.
5. Necessary modifications are made to equipment and materials.
6. Overlays and software are customized.
7. Additional support personnel are contacted and scheduled to attend the assessment.
8. The assessment room is reserved for the assessment day.
9. Video equipment and cameras are secured for the assessment day.
10. Equipment, software, and materials are gathered.

Assessment Day

1. TTAP Core team prepares for the assessment.
1. All necessary equipment and materials are arranged in the assessment space/room.
2. The assessment space or room is organized into areas: a conference area, the assessment area, a play area, an observation area, and a display area.
3. Video cameras and monitors are set up if they are to be used.
2. The team gathers.
1. After introductions, the child is taken to the play area.
2. Core and Support teams hold a pre-assessment conference.
1. The assessment process, the purpose, and goals are discussed.
2. The agenda is reviewed and altered if necessary.
3. Consent forms are signed if they have not been signed previously.
4. Observation forms are distributed and explained.
3. The Core team, aided by Support team input, conducts the assessment.
1. All activities are videotaped.
2. Observers’ responses to all activities are recorded on the observation forms.
3. The child’s most appropriate position and reliable movement are determined.
4. Input devices are assessed to determine the most suitable input method.
5. Software and computer activities are assessed.
6. Breaks are taken at appropriate intervals.
4. Core and Support teams meet to discuss the assessment while child is taken to the play area.
1. Informal observations from all members are heard.
2. Observation forms are gathered.
3. The assessment is evaluated with regard to the original goals.
4. Preliminary recommendations are made.
5. Family is advised that they will receive an assessment report and recommendations.
1. Family provides names of people to whom they wish the report sent.
5. The Core team provides family and other Support team members with information on equipment and resources.
1. Equipment, peripherals, and software are displayed.
2. Catalogs from various vendors are made available.
3. Resource information is given on state, regional, or local agencies.
6. The assessment concludes.
1. Before they leave, the family is encouraged to contact the Core team if they have questions.
2. Video and computer equipment, software, and peripherals are removed from the assessment area.
3. Resource and customized materials are packed and stored.

After the Assessment

1. Core team members:
1. View the assessment videotape and record any further observations.
2. Review and summarize all observations noted on each activity’s observation forms.
3. Compile information and recommendations for the written assessment report.
4. Report is approved and signed.
5. Copies of the report are sent to:
1. Child’s family
2. Support persons whose the family has designated to receive copies
2. The Core team:
1. Offers training to family and school.
2. Provides a reassessment at the family’s or school’s request.