Abstract
A family-centered approach is recommended practice for assistive technology (AT) decision making with families who have infants and toddlers with disabilities. Involving families in AT decision making involves careful gathering of information needed to address the family strengths, needs, and priorities, and to match the AT decision-making process with the family's culture. It also involves matching the infant or toddler with a disability to AT and the natural environments and activities where the devices and services will be used. Assistive technology can also enhance opportunities for infants and toddlers to develop early skills of self-determination when this is consistent with a family's cultural values. The article discusses (a) the role of AT in the service planning process; (b) issues related to working with families across cultures; (c) issues related to effective AT decision making when working with culturally and linguistically diverse families who have infants and toddlers with disabilities; and (d) a process of cultural reciprocity for meaningful information gathering during the AT decision-making process. Future issues for family-centered research and personnel preparation training are discussed for infants and toddlers with AT needs and their families.