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Next Steps: Framework for Assistive Technology Decision-Making

Scheduled at 9:45 in Penrose II on Wednesday, November 18.

#43260

Speaker(s)

  • Melanie Eddington, Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology Service Provider, Colorado State University

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Building on a previously developed assistive technology (AT) decision-making framework, the Assistive Technology Resource Center at CSU is advancing this into a scalable, app-based tool to be used across higher education. This next iteration transforms a structured matrix into an interactive decision support system, enabling providers to efficiently identify optimal technology solutions for diverse user needs while improving confidence, consistency, and outcomes.

Abstract

At Colorado State University’s Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC), service providers previously developed a comprehensive decision-making framework to guide the selection of assistive technology (AT) based on academic tasks such as reading, writing, and note taking. Grounded in the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model and occupational therapy (OT) processes, this framework supports individualized, client-centered recommendations by aligning functional needs with technology features. The next phase of this work focuses on translating this framework into a dynamic, app-based decision support tool. Rather than relying on static matrices or flowcharts, the app will guide providers through an interactive process that adapts to user preferences, generating tailored AT recommendations in real time. The tool is designed to support AT service providers in higher education, where staffing, time constraints, rapidly evolving technologies, and diverse student needs can make consistent decision-making challenging. By streamlining the AT selection process, the app aims to enhance productivity, improve the accuracy of technology matching, and ultimately increase student satisfaction, performance, and retention while reducing technology abandonment. This presentation will (1) revisit the original decision making framework, (2) outline the design and development process of the app (3) demonstrate early prototypes or conceptual workflows, and (4) discuss implications for scaling assistive technology services across higher education settings. Attendees will gain insight into how structured clinical reasoning tools can be transformed into practical, technology-enabled solutions that extend impact beyond individual providers.

Keypoints

  1. Individuals with disabilities benefit from customized assistive technology selection
  2. Navigating the features of all AT options can be confusing and overwhelming
  3. Individuals in higher ed would benefit from a usable tool for AT selection

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Assistive Technology, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Melanie Eddington

Melanie is an occupational therapist and assistive technology service provider at Colorado State University's Assistive Technology Resource Center.