The Foorce

I am passing along an email I received (copied below in bold/italics) about Assistive Tech support. This is something we are looking into for James to help him with his severe OT issues, so I was excited to see that there are free opportunities to learn more. If you go to the website http://www.cognitechcafe.com and click Free Local Resources you can also find out where technology lending libraries are instead of sinking a ton of $$ into something you may or may not end up using.

Please feel free to add other resources, info or questions in the Comment section!

FREE Assistive Technology Support Program, here are our hours for Spring and Summer 2011. We are available to help any school age children and their families (early intervention to college bound) discover how assistive technologies may help them address learning, communication, vision, hearing and physical access needs in the classroom. Parents may call or e-mail for a free appointment. Details below.

Sundays available for appointments: call or e-mail
May 15th at 10, 11, 12 or 1 pm
May 22nd at 10, 11, 12 or 1 pm
May 29th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
June 5th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
June 12th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
June 19th at 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, or 4 pm
June 26th at 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, or 4 pm
July 3rd at 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, or 4 p
July 10th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
July 17th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
July 24th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
July 31st at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
August 7th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
August 14th at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm
August 28th 10, 11, 12 or 1 pm

Assistive technologies may be used to augment a child’s ability to communicate, support writing and reading needs of children with learning challenges, and provide direct access to educational materials for children who have vision, hearing or physical impairments. Parents need to become informed consumers of such tools in order to advocate successfully for their children in the school system and on their IEP’s. In NYC, students are guaranteed such support by the Chancellor’s Continuum of Services Appendix B. Under Federal law all children are entitled to a “fair and appropriate education”, and assistive technologies often provide such a means toward success. We are available to support, train, and problem-solve any assistive technology need with parents.

All interested parents must make an appointment by e-mail or phone (details below)–we are not available for walk-in services. After our one hour consultations with parents/children, we help them navigate school, public, and private resources for more formal assistive technology and augmentative communication evaluations when needed. Associated professionals are welcome to accompany the family and child as well. Parents are also invited to return with questions or for actual support with assistive technology products they or the schools acquire for the child.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Mark Surabian at ATHelp@me.com or if you do not have e-mail, call 917-586-8000. Please be sure to indicate that you are interested in scheduling a consultation at the JCC in Manhattan.

Where Support is Offered by Appointment:
The Jewish Community Center In Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street
New York, NY 10023
Multimedia Center (computing center), Lower Level Two Basement

E-mail or Call for Appointments:
Mark Surabian, MA, ATP
www.cognitechcafe.com