Assistive Technology Arena Evaluations

The Assistive Technology (AT) Arena Evaluation was developed to provide assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their DD Waiver Interdisciplinary Teams who need additional information and professional input to address the AT needs of the individual. The individual often has complex needs that involve seating and positioning, environmental access, and communication. The individual and team may feel that effective evaluation may require access to an array of AT in seating and positioning or mobility, environmental control or Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. The team may also seek assistance in interfacing a variety of AT devices effectively.

Who would conduct the evaluation?

AT Arena Evaluations are conducted by a physical therapist (PT), an occupational therapist (OT) and a speech and language pathologist (SLP). The PT evaluates needs in the area of seating and positioning as well as movement as it relates to AT needs. The OT evaluates needs in the areas of accessing AT equipment, as well as specific AT needs for environmental access including environmental control or electronic aids for daily living (EADL) needs and related issues. The SLP evaluates needs in the area of communication including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs and related issues. The individual receiving the evaluation is central to the evaluation team. The evaluation team often includes family members, support staff, therapists on the individuals IDT, and other interested team members.

Who is eligible for receiving Assistive Technology Evaluation Services?

Any individual with DD who is currently receiving services through the New Mexico DD Waiver system is eligible.

How is a referral made for receiving AT Arena Evaluation?

The individual’s Case Manager or a therapist on the individual’s team should make the referral after the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) has discussed whether an AT Arena Evaluation is needed. In many cases the IDT includes therapy professionals who are able to address the individual’s needs without an AT Arena Evaluation. The Case Manager or Therapist submits the AT Arena Evaluation Referral Form to the Therapy Services Coordinator or to the AT Team contact person (as noted on the referral form). Additional background information may be requested to allow the Evaluation Team to prepare for the evaluation.

What happens after a referral is made?

The AT Arena Evaluation is scheduled. The evaluation takes place at the Therapy Services Clinic Area located at 1000 Main St. NW, Los Lunas, NM 87031. The individual, the Arena Evaluation Team, and the IDT members participate in the evaluation to look at targeted areas of AT concerns. The Arena Evaluation Team provides initial recommendations and resources at the end of the evaluation. The team then prepares a written evaluation report with recommendations and resources. Follow-up technical assistance is provided as needed.

For more information or for referrals contact the Clinical Services Bureau – Therapy Services Team.

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Read more about the Clinical Services Bureau (click here).