Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assistive Technology Resources for Early Intervention (age zero through two)

What is assistive technology for early intervention (age zero through two)?

Assistive Technology, or AT, refers to adapting a child’s environment in order to support his/her ability to participate actively in the home, childcare program, or other community settings. This may include the ability to play successfully with toys and other children, communicate needs and ideas, make choices, and move independently.

For young children, this often involves low tech adaptations such as helping a child to sit by building support into their highchair with towels, modifying their spoon by increasing the size of the handle, making a book easier to look at by putting spacers between the pages, or helping a child feel an object they cannot see by adding texture to the object. It can also include more sophisticated technology such as communication or mobility devices.

If I have questions, need help, or I know a child and family who I think could benefit from assistive technology, what do I do?

There are a number of Early Intervention AT Specialists in your community. If you don’t know who this is, visit the link to providers in your area.

How do I find an early intervention assistive technology specialist near me?

There are over thirty Early Intervention Assistive Technology AT Specialists throughout the state, each with local communities throughout Colorado. If you are unable to find someone in your area, please contact Brian Burne.

What can I expect from an Early Intervention Assistive Technology Specialist?

The Assistive Technology AT Specialist has been trained in assistive technology for children age zero through two. Althought they may not have expertise in all areas of assistive technology, they can assist you in brainstorming possible assistive technology solutions for children/families and together explore modifications and accommodations to help a child, their family, and/or the IFSP team. They can also connect you with other resources in assistive technology.

What is an AT loan bank?

AT AT Specialists have the ability to borrow equipment from a statewide loan bank. The loan bank items can be borrowed for up to four weeks for trial with a child or for a provider to learn more about the equipment. Only AT Specialists can borrow directly from the loan bank.

How can I borrow items from the AT loan bank?

You should contact an Assistive Technology Specialist in your area and work with them to borrow equipment.

How do I know what items are available in the loan bank?

Contact your Assistive Technology Specialist for information and help regarding the loan bank. You can also browse the loan bank at http://www.swaaac.com/Catalog/default.asp.

How do I document AT service on an IFSP?

The Assistive Technology Specialist should be listed on the IFSP anytime their services are being used. If AT is a needed service to accomplish an outcome on the child’s IFSP, then AT would be listed on the supports & services page of the IFSP. When AT is listed as an EI Service on a IFSP, each column (activities/location, method, frequency & duration, projected start & end dates, and funding source) needs to be completed.

Who pays for the services of the Early Intervention Assistive Technology Specialist?

The Part C funding hierarchy is used as it is used for any other early intervention service.

If a child is waiting on Medicaid approval, do we need to wait to purchase assistive technology that they may need?

No, when families are applying for Medicaid, services cannot wait while you await approval. After Medicaid is approved the funding source used initially should be reimbursed if possible.

I’ve also heard of AT SWAAAC teams, what are those?

The SWAAAC teams are assistive technology specialists in the public schools predominantly serving children from 3-21 years old. If you are working with a child in this age range who might benefit from assistive technology, contact the SWAAAC office at 303-315-1276 (1-800-255-3477) to be connected with someone in your area who can help. You can also learn more about SWAAAC at http://www.swaaac.com

 

If you think of a needed question or would like to contribute more questions and answers to this page, please contact project team member Brian Burne with your suggestions.