There are more assistive-technology (AT) options than ever before. There are also more areas of potential confusion. And, unfortunately, there are still teachers/therapists/healthcare providers who take a “one size fits all” attitude. If a technology works for one client, they push it on everyone with the same diagnosis, regardless of individual preferences or needs.
To be fair, pinpointing the best individual AT can be hard work. Especially for providers who work with dozens (or hundreds) of individuals. And especially since best options for the same individual can change; after all, work, home, and social environments frequently change. As do user ages and abilities.
It helps when clients can share ideas with the provider. If your child has physical challenges that affect the ability to use digital devices, your providers might be interested in hearing about Access Navigator.
What Is Access Navigator?
Access Navigator offers a detailed map for pinpointing AT recommendations. While it can’t do the full job of choosing the best technology for any particular person, it’s a highly comprehensive tool. It stands out from traditional approaches with limited selection criteria—approaches which often result in clients trying a technology, finding it wanting for their abilities/assignments/environment, and giving up on it. Perhaps even on AT in general.
Anyone can try out Access Navigator at no charge. However, it’s primarily for special-ed teachers, occupational therapists, and other providers who want to consider all relevant information when helping choose the best possible AT for their clients.
The Access Navigator approach looks at each client’s situation in detail:
- Goals and needs: intended uses of AT, preferred devices/platforms
- Environment(s) AT will be used in—school, home, others’ homes, work settings, community venues, hospitals/care facilities, public or private transportation—and the lighting/noise level of each environment
- Body position(s) client will be in while using AT: sitting in a wheelchair, sitting in other types of chairs, lying down, standing, walking
- Client’s desired level of independence, when using AT and when setting it up
- Previous (and current) experience with AT/devices/digital tasks: what was a good fit, what was frustrating at best, what was tried and abandoned
The intended effect: a user-friendly process that “takes the worry out of assessments” and is easy, even fun, to do. The intended result: complete client satisfaction with AT that is individually appropriate and effective. Also, positive nurturing of the practitioner-client relationship—so that if a client outgrows a technology or otherwise finds it no longer useful, they are ready and willing to reevaluate via the Access Navigator process.
Caveat
At time of writing, Access Navigator is still under development. Though it’s available for public use, satisfactory results are not guaranteed. However, the tool has been extensively tested with practitioners and disabled users; and feedback has been largely positive.
Related resources:
- ATU754–Access Navigator with Erik Jakobs (from the Assistive Technology Podcast by Easterseals Crossroads, November 7, 2025)
- Joy Zabala: SETT Framework (resources for choosing individualized AT according to Student needs, learning Environments, Tasks to be accomplished, and—last—Tools)
- National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (federal grant provider that funded Access Navigator development)
- RERC on AAC (a collaborative center promoting new developments in augmentative/alternative communication, including Access Navigator)
- What is Access Navigator Webinar, December 3, 2025 (53-minute presentation explaining why and how Access Navigator was developed, and how it can help providers and people with disabilities pinpoint best tools for alternative access to digital devices)