How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology for Your Child

You want the best for your child, but picking the right tools can feel confusing. Maybe you worry about making the wrong choice or wonder if technology will truly help.

You’re not alone—about 25% of parents feel overwhelmed when facing these decisions. Here’s the good news: How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology for Your Child works best when you focus on your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Build a team with teachers and therapists. Trust yourself to take the next step.

Key Takeaways

• Assistive technology (AT) helps kids with disabilities do daily things. It also helps them learn better.
• Think about your child’s special strengths and problems when picking assistive technology.
• Make a team with teachers and therapists. They can help check your child’s needs and find good tools.
• Set clear, easy-to-measure, and real goals for using assistive technology. This helps you see progress.
• Look at both high-tech and low-tech choices. Sometimes simple tools are the best ones.
• Let your child help make choices. This can make them feel more confident and excited.
• Check the assistive technology plan often. Change it if your child’s needs change.
• Ask local groups and schools for help with money and resources for assistive technology.

What Is Assistive Technology?

You may hear “assistive technology” and wonder what it means. Assistive technology (AT) is any tool or device that helps your child.

These tools help with things that are hard because of a disability. AT can make daily tasks easier. It can help with learning and talking too.

Here’s how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) explains it:

If your child needs help with reading, moving, or talking, AT can help. There are tools for many different needs.

Types of Tools

Assistive technology comes in many forms. Some tools are simple, like a pencil grip. Some use advanced technology, like speech-to-text apps.

Here are the main types and examples:

💡 Tip: You do not need the most expensive tool. Sometimes, a simple organizer or reminder system helps a lot.

You want your child to feel confident and independent. Assistive technology can help with that. The right tools let your child focus on strengths. They worry less about challenges.

For example, a student who has trouble reading can use text-to-speech software. This helps them keep up with classwork. Support like this can help your child learn more and do better in school.

AT also helps your child be more independent. They can finish homework alone. They can join classroom activities. They can help at home. When your child feels successful, their confidence grows.

You do not have to do this by yourself. Families and teachers work together to find the best tools. With support, your child can reach their goals and shine every day.

How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology for Your Child

Choosing the right assistive technology for your child can feel like a big task. You want to make sure the tools you pick truly help your child learn, grow, and feel confident. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Assess Needs

Start by looking closely at your child’s daily life. What do they do well? Where do they struggle? You want to focus on both strengths and challenges. This helps you find tools that fit your child, not just their diagnosis.

Talk to your child, teachers, and therapists. Ask about what works and what feels hard during the day.

Here’s a simple way to assess your child’s needs:

1. Gather background information from everyone who knows your child well—teachers, family, and even your child.
2. Watch your child in different settings, like the classroom or at home. Notice how they handle tasks and where they need help.
3. Look at samples of your child’s work. This can show you what skills need support.
4. Ask your child and family members about their preferences and worries.

You want to match technology to your child’s specific needs—visual, physical, or cognitive. Every child is different. The severity and nature of disabilities can vary a lot.

That’s why a personalized approach is so important. Many new tools, especially those using AI, now offer features you can tailor to your child.

• Tailoring technology to unique learning needs is essential.
• Personalization helps your child get the most out of every tool.

Get an Evaluation

Once you know your child’s needs, it’s time for a formal evaluation. This step helps you figure out which tools will work best. You don’t have to do this alone. A team of professionals can guide you.

Here’s who might be on your team:

This team will look at your child’s abilities, challenges, and environment. They will try out different tools and see what fits best. You should share your thoughts and ask questions. Your input matters.

💡 Note: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives your child the right to access assistive technology as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team must consider assistive technology every time they review or update your child’s plan.

Set Goals

Now you’re ready to set clear goals for using assistive technology. Goals help you measure progress and see if the tools are working. You want goals that are specific, measurable, and realistic.

Here’s a table to help you set strong goals:

• Work with your IEP team to set these goals. This team includes you, teachers, special education staff, and therapists.
• Make sure the goals match your child’s needs and the resources available.
• Goals should fit both home and school life.

Involving your child in goal-setting can boost their motivation and confidence.

When you follow these steps, you make the process of how to choose the right assistive technology for your child much easier.

You focus on what matters most—your child’s growth and happiness. Remember, you have the right to ask for support and to make sure your child gets the tools they need.

Review Technology Options

Picking the best tool for your child means looking at many choices. Some tools are high-tech and have lots of features. Others are simple and just do one job. Let’s look at what you should know.

High-Tech vs. Low-Tech

You do not always need the newest device. Sometimes, a basic tool works better. High-tech tools include tablets and speech-to-text apps.

They also include electronic communication devices. Low-tech tools are things like picture boards and pencil grips. Paper organizers are low-tech too.

Here is a quick chart to compare:

High-tech tools have more features. They can be expensive and hard to learn. Low-tech tools are easy to use. They help your child feel more independent.

Pick what matches your child’s needs and comfort. Sometimes, a calendar or checklist helps more than an app.

Match to Abilities

You want technology that fits your child’s strengths. Work with teachers, therapists, and doctors as a team. They help you see what your child can do and what is hard.

• Watch your child do daily tasks. See what is easy and what is tough.
• Ask teachers and therapists for advice.
• Get ideas from your child and family.

For example:

• If your child speaks well but cannot write easily, speech-to-text software can help.
• If your child cannot see well, try text-to-speech or screen magnifiers.

The team looks at your child’s physical, thinking, and sensory skills. They also think about what your child does each day. This helps you find tools that fit your child’s life.

Consider Cost

Money is important when picking technology. Some devices cost thousands of dollars. For example, refreshable Braille displays can cost about $4,000.

The Orbit Reader costs around $500. Families spend about $5,645 on assistive technology. Many can only pay about $1,421.

Do not worry if the price is high. Many groups offer grants or help with money:

Schools help too. Under IDEA, public agencies must give assistive technology services. This helps your child get a free and fair education. School districts do evaluations, buy devices, train people, and make sure everything fits your child’s learning plan.

When you look at technology options, think about features, cost, and how each tool fits with your child’s IEP goals and daily life. This step is important in How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology for Your Child.

Age and Learning Goals

Age-Appropriate Choices

You want your child to use tools that fit their age. The right assistive technology changes as your child grows older. Early help is important. If your child has challenges, start using assistive technology early, even in preschool.

Young children often do best with simple tools. You might use zipper grips or basic communication boards. These low-tech tools help with daily tasks and build confidence.

As your child gets older, you can try more advanced technology. Middle and high school students may use educational apps or speech-to-text software. They might also use electronic communication devices.

Here are some examples of age-appropriate assistive technology:

• Augmentative and assistive communication devices help young children share needs.
• Sip-and-puff systems let students with physical challenges use a mouse.
• Talk-to-text tools help older kids listen to notes and finish assignments.
• Word prediction tools support writing for elementary and high school students.
• AAC devices can be pen and paper or electronic boards, depending on age and skill.

Pick tools that match your child’s stage and where they learn, like home, school, or therapy.

Always think about what your child can do now and what will help them today. The tools you pick depend on your child’s age, needs, and where they use them.

When you follow the steps in How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology for Your Child, you make sure the technology grows with your child.

Learning Strategies

You want your child to get the most from assistive technology. The best results come when you use smart learning strategies. Working together is important.

Work with teachers, therapists, and your child to see what works and what does not. A team helps you find what helps and what needs to change.

Here are some strategies that help:

• Meet often with your child’s team to check progress and change tools if needed.
• Use different devices for children with special needs and delays.
• Give teachers and staff training. Workshops, webinars, and coaching help everyone learn.
• Ask your child for feedback. Find out what helps and what is hard.

Assistive technology tools, like text-to-speech software and graphic organizers, can help students with disabilities learn better.

These tools help your child face challenges and become more independent. When you use these strategies, you help your child do schoolwork and reach their goals.

Checking progress and getting feedback helps you change strategies so your child keeps moving forward.

You are important in your child’s success. Stay involved, ask questions, and celebrate every step forward.

Collaborate with the Team

Work with Professionals

You do not have to figure out assistive technology alone. Building a strong team makes the process easier and more effective.

You bring important knowledge about your child’s daily life. Professionals add their expertise. When you work together, you get the best results.

• Special education teachers, therapists, and classroom teachers all play a part. They help you spot your child’s unique needs and challenges.
• This team gathers information and looks at different assistive technology tools. They want to see what will help your child the most.
• Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists join in. They check how technology can help your child at home, in school, and even in the community.
• The team works together to evaluate your child’s strengths and needs. They look at how technology can support your child in different places.
• Teachers, parents, and service providers share what they know. Your child’s input matters, too. When everyone shares, you get a full picture of what your child needs.

You might wonder why this teamwork matters. When parents and professionals work together, children do better with assistive technology.

This is especially true for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Working as a team helps your child build social skills, trust, and even learn how to handle conflicts. It also means the tools your child uses will fit their needs, no matter how unique those needs are.

Ask questions during meetings. Share what you notice at home. Your voice is important in every step.

Home and School Integration

You want your child to use assistive technology everywhere they need it—not just in one place. The best results come when home and school work together. Here are some ways to make that happen:

1. Make sure the device works and is ready each day.
2. Use the technology for lessons, group work, and solo practice.
3. Give your child time to use the device for homework and tests.
4. Check in often to see how things are going. Adjust if needed.

You can also:

• Check devices every morning to avoid surprises.
• Set regular times for your child to practice with the technology.
• Plan short breaks so your child does not get tired.
• Review progress at the end of each day and make changes if needed.
• Use online tutorials or community forums for extra help.
• Keep a simple log of what works and what does not.

When you and the school team work together, your child gets the same support in every setting. This helps your child feel confident and comfortable using their tools.

Working as a team and making sure technology fits both home and school life gives your child the best chance to succeed. Stay connected, keep talking, and celebrate every win—big or small.

Trial and Monitor

Trial Period

You want to make sure the assistive technology fits your child before making a final decision. A trial period gives you a chance to see how the tool works in real life.

During this time, your child can use the device at home and school. You can watch how they interact with it and notice any changes in their confidence or independence.

Start with a simple plan. Set clear goals for what you hope to see. Ask yourself questions like, “Does my child use the device without help?” or “Does the tool make tasks easier?” Keep notes about what works and what feels hard. If you see your child struggling, talk with your team. Sometimes, you need to try a different tool or make small changes.

You may face some challenges during the trial. High costs and trouble finding funding can slow things down. Sometimes, you might not know which devices are available or how to use them.

Maintenance and repairs can also be hard to access. If you run into these problems, reach out to your school or local support groups for help.

Use the trial period to test different tools. Don’t rush the process. Your child’s comfort matters most.

Training

Training helps everyone feel confident using assistive technology. You, your child, teachers, and support staff all need to know how the device works. Good training makes a big difference in how well your child uses the tool.

Here’s a table showing the most effective training strategies:

If your team does not get enough training, you may notice your child feels less independent or confident. Make sure everyone knows their role and how to help. Ask for workshops or online tutorials if you need more support.

Training is not just for teachers. You play a key part in helping your child succeed.

Monitor Progress

After the trial and training, you need to keep track of how things are going. Monitoring progress helps you see if the technology still meets your child’s needs. Regular check-ins let you spot problems early and make changes if needed.

You can use different ways to monitor progress:

• Set up clear rules for collecting data. Decide what to track and how often.
• Use many sources, like work samples, teacher notes, and tests, to get a full picture.
• Schedule time each week to review your child’s progress and write down what you see.

If you notice your child does better with the technology than without it, that’s a good sign. If progress stops, you may need to try something new. Keep talking with your team and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Stay flexible. Your child’s needs can change, so keep checking in and updating the plan.

You can help your child do well with assistive technology. Stay active and check in as your child gets older.

• Assistive technology helps with talking, moving, and making friends.
• Getting help early helps your child learn more and have more chances later.
• Talking to local groups, teachers, and people online gives you tips and support.

Your child’s needs will change. Checking often helps keep their tools and goals working.

Ask groups like the American Printing House for the Blind for help. You are not alone. Many families and experts want to help you. Keep speaking up and celebrate every win!

FAQ

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology means any tool or device that helps your child do things that are hard because of a disability. You might see things like speech apps, magnifiers, or special keyboards.

How do I know which tool is right for my child?

You start by looking at your child’s strengths and challenges. Talk with teachers and therapists. Try different tools and see what works best for your child’s needs.

Can my child use assistive technology at home and school?

Yes! You can use most tools in both places. Make sure you talk with your child’s teachers so everyone knows how to help. This way, your child gets support everywhere.

Does insurance cover assistive technology?

Some insurance plans pay for certain devices. You should check with your provider. Schools may also help pay for tools if they are part of your child’s learning plan.

What if my child doesn’t like the device?

You can try other options. Ask your child what feels comfortable. Sometimes, a simple tool works better than a fancy one. Keep testing until you find the right fit.

How often should I review my child’s technology needs?

You should check every few months. Kids grow and change fast. Meet with your team to see if the tools still help. Update the plan when your child’s needs change.

Where can I find help or funding for assistive technology?

You can reach out to local charities, school programs, or online groups. Some organizations offer grants or free devices. Ask your school for a list of resources.

Do teachers need training to use assistive technology?

Yes, teachers need training. You can ask your school for workshops or guides. When everyone knows how to use the tools, your child gets better support.