GDCC offers assistive techology training
The CNMI Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council System of Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (STRAID) Assistive Technology Project, in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. (NMPASI), will be conducting an Assistive Technology Training on May 30-31, 2000, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saipan Grand Hotel.
Similar training will be held on June 1, 2000 at Rota Health Center Conference Room and on June 3, 2000 at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel.
According to Celia B. Lamkin, M.D., Assistive Technology Project coordinator, the training aims to 1) increase awareness of parents, teachers and administrators regarding the requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA ’97) concerning the use of assistive technology by children and youth with disabilities in educational settings; 2) enhance the skills of parents, teachers and administrators in applying the new IDEA ’97 regulations regarding the consideration of AT in children’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and improve collaboration; 4) develop a follow-up plan to assist STRAID build the capacity of CNMI’s Department of Education in delivering AT services to children with disabilities and; 5) identify options (changes in the delivery system, additional training, etc.) to increase and strengthen the AT resources available to children with disabilities through STRAID.
Assistive Technology device is any item, piece of equipment, product, or system whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, assist or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology services are those that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of assistive technology device.
Registration forms are available at the Assistive Technology Center located at Building 1310, Capitol Hill. For more information, please call 664-7000.
