Your FREE ATP Flashcards 2026 – 100+ Cards

An AT framework with four parts: Human, Activity, Assistive Technology, and Context. The device bridges the gap between the person's ability and the demands of the activity, all within a context.

Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools — define the student, environment, and tasks first; choose the Tool last. A team/needs-driven AT decision-making framework (Zabala).

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability (Assistive Technology Act).

Any service that directly helps a person select, acquire, or use an AT device — including evaluation, customization, training, and follow-up.

Matching the features of candidate AT devices to the person's abilities, the task, and the environment — rather than starting from a favorite product.

The client's story gathered first in assessment: goals, roles, routines, and the activities the person needs or wants to do — before measuring performance.

Direct observation of the person doing the actual task in context to identify real abilities, barriers, and AT needs — more valid than self-report alone.

Building the AT plan around the consumer's own goals, values, and preferences, with the consumer as an active decision-maker, not a passive recipient.

Basic self-care occupations — feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting — that AT often targets.

More complex community-living tasks (cooking, managing money/medication, communication, driving) that AT can support.

Designing products and environments to be usable by the widest range of people without adaptation; differs from AT, which is individualized to one user's need.

Recommend the simplest, least intrusive AT that meets the need and maximizes independence — escalate to higher-tech only when justified.

The most critical factor when assessing a client for voice recognition software — the system depends on clear, distinct, consistent speech to recognize commands.

Technology that lets a person with limited movement operate home electronics — lights, TV, doors, thermostat, phone — for autonomy.

A hands-on assessment (supine and seated) of range of motion, posture, and flexibility that measures the body before a seating system is configured.

Limited hip/knee range dictates achievable seating angles — restricted hip flexion may need an open seat-to-back angle so the body is never forced into a harmful position.

A primary consideration when recommending a wheelchair — doorways, terrain, and surfaces determine the features and dimensions the chair needs to be usable.

A WHO framework describing function across body functions/structures, activities, and participation within environmental and personal factors — used to frame AT needs.

An AT device must fit the user's cognitive ability — memory, attention, problem-solving — or it will be too complex to learn and likely abandoned.

AT assessment often involves OT, PT, SLP, rehab engineer, educator, supplier, and the consumer/family — each contributing a different perspective.

Assuming a person with a communication or cognitive disability is capable of learning and participating, and providing access before requiring proof of skill.

An assessment tool that visualizes seat-interface pressure to identify high-pressure areas over bony prominences and guide cushion selection.

Methods and devices that supplement or replace speech for people with severe expressive communication needs — from gestures to speech-generating devices.

Unaided AAC uses only the body (gestures, sign, facial expression); aided AAC uses external tools (a board, book, or speech-generating device).

Low-tech: communication boards/books, picture symbols (no electronics). High-tech: speech-generating devices (SGDs) and apps with dynamic displays and voice output.

A high-tech AAC device that produces spoken output from selected symbols, words, or typed text; selection method is matched to the user's access ability.

Core: a small set of high-frequency words used across contexts (want, more, go, stop). Fringe: topic-specific words. AAC layouts prioritize core for flexible communication.

Sets of pictures/symbols (e.g., PCS, Widgit) used to represent words on AAC displays; symbol type is matched to the user's language and cognitive level.

The most important factor in choosing an AAC device — adequate vocabulary range and customizability let the user express their full communication needs.

An access method where the user points to or activates the target directly (touch, mouse, eye gaze, head pointer) — fastest when motor control allows.

Choices are presented in sequence and the user selects with a switch when the target is highlighted — for users with very limited motor control.

A scanning pattern that highlights a row first, then steps across its cells — faster than linear item-by-item scanning on large displays.

A pointing device the user rolls with a finger/palm; requires less fine motor control and no whole-arm movement, so it suits limited dexterity.

A software keyboard operated by a pointer, switch, or eye gaze — a good text-input option for clients who cannot use a physical keyboard.

An access method that lets a user select on-screen targets by looking at them; requires gaze-point calibration and adequate eye control.

Using one or more switches (activated by any reliable movement) to operate scanning AT — sized, placed, and mounted to the user's best, least-fatiguing motion.

A direct-selection access method that tracks head movement to move a cursor — useful when hand control is absent but head control is good.

Software that converts on-screen text to synthesized speech (or braille output), giving people who are blind or have low vision access to digital content.

Software/hardware that enlarges screen content (with contrast/color options) for users with low vision who still use sight.

Technology that converts printed text into digital text so a screen reader can read it aloud — a key reading solution for visual impairment.

A device with pins that raise/lower to render on-screen text in braille, line by line, for users who read braille.

A camera-and-screen device that enlarges printed material with adjustable magnification and contrast for low-vision reading.

A hearing assistive technology that transmits a speaker's voice wirelessly to the listener, cutting background noise — ideal for group/classroom settings.

An assistive listening system that sends sound directly to a hearing aid's telecoil, improving clarity in public/group spaces.

Manual suits users with the strength/endurance to self-propel; power is indicated when self-propulsion is unsafe, inefficient, or impossible for the needed distances.

A wheelchair cushion (foam, gel, air, or hybrid) that spreads load off bony prominences to prevent pressure injuries; selected from the assessment and pressure mapping.

Tilt keeps hip/knee angles fixed while changing orientation in space (good for pressure relief/positioning); recline opens the seat-to-back angle. Often combined.

A key selection factor — AT that can be adjusted as the user's abilities, tasks, or environments change is more likely to keep meeting the need over time.

Software that suggests likely words as the user types, reducing keystrokes and fatigue — supports writing for users with motor or learning needs.

A modified keyboard (enlarged keys, key guard, compact, or one-handed layout) chosen to match a user's motor abilities for text entry.

A priority factor — a device that is hard to operate frustrates the user and leads to abandonment, so usability often outweighs aesthetics or extra features.

For speech impairments, AAC should offer multiple output options (synthesized voice, text, symbols) so communication works across partners and settings.

The RESNA service-delivery step that begins after funding is approved/secured — ordering, preparing, fitting, mounting, delivering, and training on the equipment.

Documentation justifying why specific AT is medically necessary for the consumer — central to securing funding from insurers/Medicare/Medicaid.

Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, vocational rehab, schools (IDEA), and assistive-technology act programs; documentation of medical necessity drives approval.

At delivery the ATP adjusts seat-to-floor height, backrest angle, footrest length, and controls so the equipment fits the user as configured in the plan.

Hardware (frame clamp, mounting tube/sections, and a mounting plate) that attaches a device (e.g., an SGD) to a wheelchair so it is positioned for use.

Position a mounted device for both visual regard and physical access — the user must be able to see it and reach/activate it reliably.

A mount that swings or flips out of the way and locks, so a wheelchair-mounted device can be moved aside for transfers without removing it entirely.

Adding a heavy mounted device shifts a wheelchair's center of gravity and can increase tip risk — stability must be checked before final mounting.

Before delivery the ATP prepares, assembles, and installs the technology (and software setup) so it is ready and verified for the user.

Before delivery the ATP verifies the product for safety, function, performance, and quality — confirming it works as specified and is safe to use.

RESNA implementation includes training the user (and caregivers) to operate and maintain the AT in an accessible way across all the environments where it's used.

Teaching family/caregivers to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the AT — essential for consistent use and to prevent abandonment.

Routine user-level checks (power, batteries/charging, and connections) that keep AT working and that users/caregivers should be trained to perform.

The setup step for eye-tracking systems where the device learns the user's eye positions so it can accurately detect where the user is looking.

Configuring speech-recognition for an individual voice (e.g., a user who stutters) so the system adapts to that person's speech patterns.

Radio frequency (RF) passes through walls and has greater range/reliability than line-of-sight infrared (IR) for whole-home environmental control.

Stable, supported seating/positioning is set up before fine access methods, because the user's posture directly affects how reliably they can operate the device.

A switch is mounted at the body site of the user's most reliable, least-fatiguing movement, and secured so it stays consistently positioned for activation.

Discomfort or new redness after delivery often signals inadequate cushioning or fit — addressed promptly to prevent pressure injuries.

The RESNA step where the ATP reassesses AT outcomes over time, adjusts or repairs equipment, and re-recommends as needs change — preventing abandonment.

When a user stops using a device; prevented by involving the user in selection, ensuring fit and training, and following up to adjust the AT as needs change.

Comparing function (and goal attainment) with and without the AT — ideally with objective, functional data — to show the device improves performance.

A hands-on trial of the device while documenting performance with and without it — objective evidence the AT improves function, used to justify the recommendation.

If a client shows confusion and needs constant instruction to use a device, that signals poor fit or excessive complexity — the AT may be unsuitable.

A strong indicator of AT success is the user operating the device independently to accomplish the target task across the relevant environments.

An outcome method that rates progress toward individualized, pre-set goals — useful for measuring AT effectiveness against what the consumer wanted to achieve.

Lag/delays on a speech-generating device often point to insufficient memory/processing — a maintenance/evaluation finding to address so communication stays fluent.

AT needs change with the person's condition, growth, environment, and goals, so periodic reassessment is required to keep the technology appropriate.

Consumer feedback on comfort, ease, and impact on daily routines is essential qualitative outcome data alongside objective functional measures.

Ongoing service — cleaning, charging, software updates, and repair — that keeps AT functioning; part of follow-up and a common reason devices fall out of use.

Follow-up findings (discomfort, errors, disuse) drive concrete changes — re-fitting, re-training, or re-recommending — rather than simply noting a problem.

The ethical code ATPs must follow — hold paramount the welfare of persons served, disclose conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality, and practice within competence.

Practice standards for AT professionals covering competent service delivery, informing consumers of options, documentation, and supporting consumer choice.

The ATP must recommend the equipment best matched to the consumer's needs, even when an employer or referral incentive favors a different (higher-margin) product.

An ATP with a financial relationship to a manufacturer must disclose it (and any affiliation that could bias a recommendation) to the consumer.

The ATP maintains confidentiality of privileged/personal information and does not disclose it without proper authorization — even when a caregiver or colleague asks.

The ATP recognizes the limits of their competence and refers to or collaborates with a qualified professional for needs beyond their skills (e.g., complex rehab seating).

The ATP informs the consumer of device options and funding mechanisms regardless of financial status, and supports the consumer's right to choose.

When a consumer goal conflicts with safety, the ATP honestly discusses the concern, documents it, and explores alternatives that still meet the underlying goal.

RESNA standards require recommendations that maximize functional outcomes while minimizing unreasonable risk to the consumer and others.

An ATP offered a manufacturer bonus to steer recommendations should decline it or, at minimum, fully disclose the relationship and keep recommendations needs-based.

The ATP documents the assessment, options discussed, trials, recommendation, and justification — supporting both ethical practice and funding.

Integrating the best available research, clinical expertise, and the consumer's values/preferences when selecting and recommending assistive technology.

Respecting the consumer's culture, language, and context so the AT and the way it's introduced fit the person's life and are more likely to be used.

Maintaining the ATP credential requires ongoing continuing education so the professional stays current with evolving assistive technology and practice.

RESNA's Assistive Technology Professional certification — recognizes competence in analyzing needs, recommending, and supporting AT; held by OTs, PTs, SLPs, engineers, suppliers, and educators.

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America — the body that develops and grants the ATP (and SMS) certifications and the AT standards.

RESNA's Seating & Mobility Specialist certification, a specialty credential for which the ATP is a prerequisite.

The ATP empowers the consumer to make informed decisions about their own AT rather than deciding for them — a core ethical and person-centered principle.