Overview

Assisting people and their teams to really listen and hear someone’s “native” voice; aiding people in finding low to high technology to express themselves even more effectively; evaluating accessibility of a location; exploring innovative and easy ways to be more independent in life whether at home, work, school, or play… These are just SOME of the ways Networks for Training and Development, Inc. can be of service and support to you!

The following are just some of the examples of what we offer in our Technologies for Independence & Control:

• Group training and demonstration in today's trends and options in AT/AAC.
• Direct consultation with people who currently use some AT or who could benefit from some form of AT to explore systems, technology, and support strategies for more independence.
• Opportunities for people with limited or unrecognized functional communication methods to explore possible systems and strategies of AAC to be more fully expressive.
• Individualized training regarding specific issues and uses of AT/AAC.
• Assistance to schools, businesses, and other organizations on how to adapt their environments to enable the fuller participation of everyone, including on site ADA assessments under Title II and III.
• Mentorship, collaborations, and partnerships to expand the knowledge and expertise of others in AT/AAC.
• Website accessibility as well as computer adaptation and accommodations.

To request Technical Assistance, complete a Training and Technical Assistance Request Form, email Jill Gromen, or call 1-866-683-3651.

Projects & Activities

Our current projects and activities include:

• The Communication Mentors' Course™.
• Support to and coordination of The Communication Mentors' Network.
• AT Open House sessions in our Valley Forge, PA office.
• Trainings and informational sessions regarding AT/AAC as requested.
• Continued reading and learnings to stay current on trends, information, and research in the field of AT/AAC via interactive “AT Learning Group” meetings.
• Ongoing TA (technical assistance) follow-up to people and their teams regarding AT/AAC as requested.

Photo Gallery

Enjoy our slideshow of Technologies for Independence & Control images. Please check back frequently, as more pictures will be added as they become available!

Upcoming Events

• Online Chats with AT Experts
  • Creating Accessible Environments on the Cheap & Other Considerations for Applying Universal Design
  • What's Hot in AT?
  • Accessible Websites
  • Sensory Integration
  • Creative Uses of an iPad, iPhone, iTouch, & the World of Apps!
  • Understanding Aphasia & Apraxia
  • Finding & Funding AT
  • Health Care & Implications for Those Who Communicate Differently
  • Increasing Educational Inclusion Through AT
• Demystifying Autism
• Building Support for Communication Development
• Everyday AT for Everyone! Mini-Conference

Visit our Upcoming Events Calendar to see which events are happening this month!

How Can I Get Involved?

We are looking for:

• Stories about the journey of the use of Assistive Technology (AT) in your
  life or in the lives of others.
• Increased collaborations with groups and people using or interested in AT.
• Collaborations with technology groups and manufacturers to increase
  the level of awareness regarding accessibility and usability by a
  large audience.
• Collaborations with AT groups & organizations.
• Referrals from all people who are in need of help and assistance with AT.
• Increased collaborations and contacts with people and groups who
  are in need of finding out or wanting to do more with AT.
• Connections with people who use AT in their lives to assist in
  presentations, information sharing, ...and more!
• Contributions to replenish our AT library as well as contributions
  to enable reaching out & assisting those in need of help with AT.

The Technologies for Independence & Control Team

• Jessica Stover, M.S., A.T.P.
• Beth McKeown, MS.Ed.
• Diane Kehoe
• Jen McCary, M.Ed.
• Jill Gromen, M.S.W.
• Joe Murphy
• Julia Barol
• Julie Sozio, M.H.S.
• Rosa McAllister, M.Ed., A.T.P., R.M., L.M.T.
• Suzanne Erb
• Andrew Vizuete
• George Callaway
• Ramenta Cottrell
• Dana Bowser
• Nancy Jo Geise