Assistive Technology Assessment Checklist — What to Look for Before You Buy
Start with what you actually do every day
An assistive technology assessment checklist helps you figure out which tools will actually work in your life, not which ones sound impressive in a catalog. The goal is to match the technology to the specific tasks you do — getting dressed, reading mail, moving around your home, working, communicating — and the specific barriers you hit when you try to do them.
Before you look at any devices or software, write down three to five activities that are hardest for you right now. Be concrete: not "I have trouble reading" but "I can't read the small print on medicine bottles" or "I fall asleep when I try to read long documents." This list becomes your measuring stick. Every tool you consider should make at least one of these tasks noticeably easier.
The assessment process is not something a professional has to do for you, though an occupational therapist or rehabilitation counselor can help if you want that. You can work through this checklist on your own, with family, or with a friend who knows how you move through your day.
Key Takeaways
- Start by listing the specific daily tasks that are hardest for you, not general categories like "mobility" or "vision."
- Test any tool in your actual environment — your home, your workplace, or wherever you will really use it — before deciding.
- Check whether the technology works with devices you already own and whether you will need training or support to use it.
- Consider the cost, including setup, repairs, and whether your insurance or a program might cover part of it.
- Plan for how your needs might change and whether the tool can grow with you or whether you will need something different later.
What the technology actually does — and what it doesn't
Write down exactly what each tool is supposed to do. Not "speech-to-text software" but "converts spoken words into typed text so I don't have to type with one hand." Then test whether it actually does that in the way you need it to.
This is where many people get stuck. A screen reader might work beautifully in a quiet room but be useless on a noisy bus. A mobility aid might work on flat ground but not on stairs or gravel. A communication device might have the words you need but take so long to navigate that you give up mid-conversation. Write down what works and what doesn't, and under what conditions.
Also note what the technology requires you to do differently. Some tools need you to learn new commands or gestures. Some need you to set them up in a specific way each time. Some need you to carry extra equipment or charge batteries. These are not deal-breakers, but they matter for whether you will actually use the tool when you need it.
Whether it fits into your life right now
Check whether the technology works with what you already own. If you use an iPhone, does the assistive tool work on iOS or only Android? If you use a computer at work, will the software install there, or only on your personal laptop? If you use a wheelchair, will the mounting system fit your chair, or do you need to buy an adapter?
Think about where you will use it. Will you carry it with you, keep it at home, use it at work, or some combination? Some tools are portable; others are not. Some need a power outlet; others run on batteries. Some need internet; others work offline. Write down whether the setup matches where you actually spend your time.
Consider whether you need training or support to use it. Some tools are intuitive; others have a learning curve. Some come with instruction manuals or videos; others do not. Some have customer support you can call; others have only online forums. If you learn best by doing, by watching someone else, or by reading, does the tool offer that kind of support?
What it costs and what might cover it
Write down the full cost: the price of the device or software itself, plus setup fees, training, repairs, replacement parts, batteries, or subscriptions. Some tools are one-time purchases; others cost money every month or year. Some break easily and are expensive to fix; others are durable.
Then research what might cover the cost. Insurance coverage varies widely — some plans cover certain devices under durable medical equipment, others do not. State vocational rehabilitation programs may cover technology if it helps you work. Some nonprofits, schools, or employers have equipment lending libraries or grants. The Assistive Technology Industry Association has a state-by-state directory of funding sources, though you will need to contact your state program directly to learn what they cover.
If cost is a barrier, ask whether a lower-cost version exists that does most of what you need. Sometimes a simpler tool works just as well for your situation. Sometimes renting or borrowing lets you try something before you buy it.
How long it will take to get used to it
Most assistive technology takes time to become automatic. You might feel clumsy or slow at first. Write down how much time you are willing to spend learning, and whether you have support during that learning period — someone who can help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just sit with you while you practice.
Also think about how your needs might change. If you are recovering from an injury, you might need one tool now and a different one in six months. If you have a progressive condition, the tool you choose now might not work for you in a year. Some technology can be adjusted or upgraded; some cannot. Knowing this helps you decide whether to invest in something expensive and specialized or something more flexible.
Questions to ask before you decide
Use this table to compare tools you are considering. You do not need to answer every question for every tool — focus on the ones that matter most for your situation.
Print this out or copy it into a document, then fill in your answers for each tool side by side. This makes it easier to see which one fits your life best.
| Question | Tool 1 | Tool 2 | Tool 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does it solve one of my top three hardest tasks? | |||
| Does it work with devices I already own? | |||
| Can I test it in my actual environment before buying? | |||
| What is the total cost, including setup and support? | |||
| Is there training or support available? | |||
| How long will it take me to use it comfortably? | |||
| Can it be adjusted if my needs change? |
Where to try tools before you commit
Many communities have assistive technology demonstration centers or lending libraries where you can borrow equipment to try at home. Your state's vocational rehabilitation agency, your local independent living center, or your disability services office can tell you whether one exists near you. Some university programs in occupational therapy or rehabilitation also let people try equipment.
If you work with an occupational therapist, rehabilitation counselor, or other specialist, ask whether they have demo equipment or can arrange a trial. Some vendors will let you borrow a tool for a week or two before you buy, especially if you are considering an expensive item. Always ask — the worst they can say is no.
If you cannot try the exact tool, try something similar. If you are considering a specific brand of screen reader, use a free screen reader first to see whether you like how that kind of technology works. If you are thinking about a mobility aid, borrow a friend's or rent one temporarily. This gives you real information about whether the approach works for you, even if the specific tool is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional to do an assistive technology assessment?
No. You can work through this checklist on your own or with someone who knows your daily life well. A professional — usually an occupational therapist or rehabilitation counselor — can be helpful if you want expert input, if you are unsure where to start, or if you need help accessing funding. But the assessment itself is about your needs and your life, not professional credentials.
What if I try something and it doesn't work?
That is normal and expected. Not every tool works for every person, even if it works for someone else with the same disability. If something does not work, return it if you can, or donate it to a lending library so someone else can try it. Then move on to the next option. The goal is to find what works for you, not to make the first thing work.
Can I get my insurance to pay for assistive technology?
It depends on your insurance plan and the specific tool. Some plans cover devices classified as durable medical equipment; others do not. Call your insurance company and ask whether they cover the specific tool you want, what documentation they need, and whether you need a prescription or recommendation from a doctor. If your insurance does not cover it, ask about vocational rehabilitation, state disability programs, or nonprofit funding.
What if I cannot afford the technology I need?
Research funding sources in your state: vocational rehabilitation, disability services, nonprofit organizations, and equipment lending libraries. Some employers have assistive technology funds. Some schools provide technology to students. Some vendors offer payment plans or discounts for people with low income. Start by contacting your state's assistive technology program — they maintain lists of funding sources and can point you toward programs you might not know about.
How do I know if I should wait for a newer version or buy now?
If the tool solves your problem now and you can afford it, buy it now. Technology is always improving, but waiting for the next version means you go without help in the meantime. You can always upgrade later if something better comes along. The best assistive technology is the one you actually use, not the one you are waiting for.