Functional Assessment

A systematic process for evaluating an individual's ability to perform specific tasks or activities, focusing on what a person can actually do rather than their medical diagnosis. In assistive technology contexts, functional assessment measures physical, cognitive, or sensory capabilities relevant to technology interaction—such as range of motion, fine motor control, or visual acuity—to inform device selection and configuration. This approach recognizes that people with the same diagnosis may have vastly different functional capabilities, making individualized assessment essential for effective technology matching.