ABSTRACT
Issues in the assessment of assistive devices for children relate to the characteristics of the device, the child, the child's surroundings, and the assessment team. After analysing each part of the interaction system, it may be difficult to decide which factors contributed to successful function of the child-device match. It is essential to continue this evaluation, however, in the ongoing effort to provide the most appropriate technology for children with disabilities, who will be, to the greatest possible extent, the functioning, independent adults. Assessment of the child with device presents problems in combining technology performance with personal or human performance. Quantification of human performance with and without assistive devices is the only definitive solution to assessment of device effectiveness. Assessment of the appropriateness, efficacy, benefit, and long-term outcomes has been difficult and remains largely anecdotal. Assessment of the devices alone has generated a large body of information relating to the characteristics of the materials, construction, operation, and functional wear.
