ATP Assistive Technology Professional General Information 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of AAC symbol set uses photographs of actual objects and is often selected for beginning communicators who benefit from realistic imagery?
- Abstract/arbitrary symbols
- Aided language stimulation boards
- Photographic/representational symbols (Correct answer)
- Blissymbols
Correct answer: Photographic/representational symbols
Photographic symbols depict real objects and are typically easier for beginning communicators to associate with their referents.
Question 2: A student with autism spectrum disorder has strong literacy skills but limited speech output. Which AAC strategy is most appropriate?
- High-tech robust AAC device with text-to-speech and full vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Low-tech picture exchange system only
- Unaided sign language
- Facilitated communication
Correct answer: High-tech robust AAC device with text-to-speech and full vocabulary
A robust high-tech AAC device with TTS leverages the student's literacy while providing reliable, independent voice output.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a trial period when recommending AT to a client?
- To allow the vendor to retain ownership of the device
- To evaluate device effectiveness in the client's natural environment before purchase (Correct answer)
- To comply with Medicare's 30-day return policy
- To train only the AT professional on device operation
Correct answer: To evaluate device effectiveness in the client's natural environment before purchase
A trial period lets the client and team assess real-world performance and fit before committing to a permanent AT solution.
Question 4: Which principle of universal design states that the design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities?
- Flexibility in use
- Simple and intuitive use
- Equitable use (Correct answer)
- Perceptible information
Correct answer: Equitable use
The Equitable Use principle holds that design should provide the same or equivalent means of use for all users regardless of ability.
Question 5: An ATP notices a client with ALS is beginning to lose reliable voluntary movement. Which access method should be introduced proactively?
- Direct selection via touchscreen
- Head-tracking mouse emulation
- Switch scanning (Correct answer)
- Standard QWERTY keyboard
Correct answer: Switch scanning
Switch scanning requires only a single consistent voluntary movement and is appropriate as motor control decreases in progressive conditions like ALS.
Question 6: What does the term 'feature matching' mean in AT assessment practice?
- Comparing device prices to a client's insurance coverage
- Aligning device features with the client's skills, needs, and environments (Correct answer)
- Listing all available AT products in a category
- Matching the client's diagnosis to a standard device protocol
Correct answer: Aligning device features with the client's skills, needs, and environments
Feature matching is an assessment strategy that selects AT based on how well device characteristics match the user's functional abilities and contextual demands.
Question 7: Which standardized assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate a student's need for AT across multiple domains including communication, computer access, and seating?
- WIAT-III
- SETT Framework (Correct answer)
- ATOS readability formula
- Beery VMI
Correct answer: SETT Framework
The SETT Framework (Student, Environments, Tasks, Tools) is a widely used structure for comprehensive AT assessment across all domains.
ATP Assistive Technology Professional General Information 3
Which type of AAC symbol set uses photographs of actual objects and is often selected for beginning communicators who benefit from realistic imagery?