We designed these questions to help you decide if the evaluator is likely to project the credibility needed to get the nod to purchase a device. Evaluators have more credibility when they have been in the field a few years and have recommended many devices within a general technology area. Beware of individuals who have recommended technology for limited numbers of individuals in the last year. Many of these providers have limited experience with technology and have only a handful of cases where they actually recommend devices. It pays to ask for references from evaluators whether they appear to have a lot of experience or not.
Some evaluators specialize within a specific age range or disability type.
Such focused expertise can help your case if the consumer falls within those limiting characteristics. However, if you are an adult and the person conducting the assessment has only seen children up to this point, someone could seriously question their opinion. It is beneficial for experts to have a proven track record of recommending devices that were actually procured and successfully used over time. Beware of evaluators who recommend the same device for many or most individuals. Recommending the same device repeatedly again implies a disregard for individual differences.