If someone other than the user is buying the AT, such as a state vocational rehabilitation agency, school district, or employer, an evaluation will likely be necessary. This is to find out if the user can benefit from the AT and what specific skills, devices and training will be needed for the person to reach his goal in getting technology. Evaluations are often conducted when someone exercises legal rights found in the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, saying that adaptive technology will allow them do a job on par with the sighted or to fully participate in a public accommodation, such as a college career or academic program. Choosing the right product is just half the journey. Choosing the right person to turn dreams into reality is the other half.
People conducting evaluations vary widely in their skill level.
Some are licensed, others are not. They may or may not have Master's degrees in rehabilitation engineering. A vendor sells equipment for a company or companies. Therapists are professionally trained and licensed in a specific medical discipline, such as speech, physical, occupational or rehabilitation therapy. In Illinois, these therapists must be licensed.