Assistive Technology Assessments for Vocational Rehabilitation Clients
Innov-AT provides practical, individualized technology solutions that support employment throughout the state of Wisconsin.
How Innov-AT Supports VR Professionals
We collaborate with vocational rehabilitation counselors to:
Conduct comprehensive AT assessments
Analyze job tasks and workplace environments
Trial technology solutions
Provide clear written recommendations
Deliver implementation training
Our focus is measurable independence and sustainable employment success.
What Makes Our Assessments Different
Real-world task analysis
Collaborative employer communication
Practical implementation planning
Clear documentation
Lifespan perspective (school to employment)
The Process
Intake & Goal Identification
Job & Environment Analysis
Technology Trials
Collaborative Review
Detailed Written Report
Implementation & Training
What VR Counselors Need to Know Before Making a Referral
Assistive technology assessments can be authorized by a DVR Counselor if they believe that a consumer could benefit from assistive technology to support their employment goal.
An assistive technology assessment typically will take under 60 days, and the DVR Counselor will receive a comprehensive report once the assessment is complete.
Common assistive technology assessment areas include:
Communication Support (adaptations to devices, dedicated communication supports, low-tech communication boards)
Computer-Based Assessments (adjustments or adaptations to computer systems, installation of programs, etc.)
Hearing Accommodations (adaptive listening devices, captioning, etc.)
Vision Accommodations (magnification, contrast, navigation)
Mobile Devices (tablets, phones, handheld devices)
Mobility Accommodations (ergonomics, seating, reaching tools, etc.)
Referral Process
DVR counselors can refer to Innov-AT by completing the DVR AT Assessment Referral Form and sending it to cassie@innov-at.com. Once this is completed, we will be in touch with any questions and a recommendation for the number of hours that are needed to complete the assessment. The more information you can provide with your referral, the easier and faster the assessment process will be.
DVR’s Assistive Technology Guidance webpage provides DVR-specific information about best practices and the assessment process.
Ready to Partner?
We welcome collaboration with VR counselors across Wisconsin and beyond.
If you are ready to refer a consumer, complete the DVR AT Assessment Referral Form.
If you have questions or would like to discuss if an AT Assessment is appropriate for your consumer, please reach out below:
When Should a DVR Counselor Make a Referral for an AT Assessment?
A consumer should be referred for an AT assessment as soon as the counselor believes the consumer may need support in order to be independent in their employment. In many cases, this may be before the consumer has even obtained paid employment. The sooner the assessment is completed, the faster the consumer can become familiar with the recommended assistive technology and be ready to use it in an employment setting. It is almost always better to obtain assistive technology as early as possible, so a consumer is comfortable with using the tools and is not learning how to use the AT at the same time as they are learning a brand new position.
Pre-Employment Assessment
Often, when meeting with a potential employer, a job developer will discuss a consumer’s disability area and potential needs. This can make it more difficult for an employer to envision the consumer successfully completing all of the tasks necessary for the job.
Having a completed AT assessment prior to the application/interview process can help the job developer and the DVR team better understand what jobs may be potential matches for a consumer, as the potential job options may be much wider with assistive technology. A completed AT assessment also allows a job developer or consumer to better articulate which tasks a consumer can independently complete with assistive technology. Instead of saying “____ cannot do _____”, the team can say “_____ will be able to do _____ with the support of _______.”
During an Internship/During Employment
If a consumer is in a position that requires significant support from coworkers or a job coach, or is struggling to meet expectations, it is likely time for an AT assessment. The goal of an AT assessment is to help the consumer be as independent as possible.
A thorough AT assessment will identify tools and strategies that allow a consumer to be more independent, allowing for a decrease in direct support and more ownership over the position.
During College
When a college student is struggling with their academic program, assistive technology may be necessary. Innov-AT is experienced in providing AT assessments that include a review of how students access their academic content, how their technology works with the school’s tech ecosystem, and which tools best meet the student’s needsable from the school platforms to the consumer’s devices, with an aim of the tools and strategies moving with the student as they graduate and move on to employment.
Assistive Technology Training and Support
An assistive technology assessment is the first step in ensuring a consumer is as independent as possible during their employment.
The next step is training. When completing an assistive technology assessment, Innov-AT will recommend any necessary training to ensure the consumer can use their tools as independently as possible. We call this our Implementation Support.
Implementation recommendations may include support with purchasing, set-up, and training, depending on the consumer’s comfort with technology, their support system, and their individual circumstances.
If necessary, Innov-AT will support the set-up of any recommended assistive technology, including assistance with creating accounts, installing software, running updates, making software adjustments, and positioning of equipment.
Innov-AT will also provide direct training to the consumer (and job coaches, employers, caregivers, etc as necessary). This training will include demonstrations, direct instruction, and practice sessions to ensure the assistive technology is working well for the consumer and that the consumer knows how to use the tools independently. Wherever appropriate, we will provide guides/handouts with login information and “how-to” instructions.
Following the Implementation/Training period, the DVR Counselor will receive and Implementation Report that outlines the level of success and independence the consumer has obtained and any next-steps that may be considered.
Learn About AT For…
FAQs
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It does not! While the term assistive technology immediately conjures up images of high-tech things like computers, AT also includes low-tech or even non-tech items like pencil grips, magnifiers, and kitchen tools!
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We do not sell assistive technology equipment. Our job is to explore the vast world of AT tools and know what is available so we can help you identify what will work best for you. We are happy to help find, order, and set up tools on your behalf, but we do not directly sell the tools ourselves. This allows us to pull resources from the widest variety of places- we are not trying to sell our own products or anyone else’s!
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Complete the DVR AT Referral Form with as much detail as possible and send it to cassie@innov-at.com. We will be in touch shortly with any questions and our availability.
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Our AT assessment reports are very thorough. We will include consumer strengths and areas of need, along with a detailed list of goals and assessment areas. You will receive a summary of any background information collected, the results of our assessment meeting, including any tools trialed, items that were excluded, and success rates with each item. Our report will include a recommendation for assistive technology that works best for each consumer, including direct links and pictures where appropriate. We will include any alternative funding sources, prices for each recommended item, and recommendations for any training necessary.
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We will work with employers when DVR and/or the consumer has given us the approval to do so. We love the opportunity to talk with employers and view the environment the consumer is working in.
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Innov-AT currently completes AT assessments for DVR in Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) #4, #6,#7, #8. However, we are open to traveling to other areas as needed.