Training creates impact on assistive technology
Dr. Cecilia Lamkin, assistive technology specialist, underscored yesterday the need to closely coordinate with various agencies to provide efficient and adequate assistance to hundreds of individuals with disabilities on the island.
Based on recommendations submitted by participants of the recently concluded assistive technology training held on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian within the last month, educators and parents of physically-challenged students have identified the need to improve AT services especially with children who are blind and visually impaired in the community.
AT service providers comprise the Individualized Education Plan team which primarily involves parents, students, administrators, regular teachers or of the Special Education program.
Furthermore, the significance of the Student Environment Task and Tools (SETT) framework was discussed by off-island AT expert Gayl Bowser to pinpoint assistive technology devices required for children with certain disabilities.
“We have to consider what the kids’ goals are, what they want to do. We also need to look at their potentials,” Dr. Lamkin explained.
The project coordinator added that after the seminar, participants with the aid from the Disabilities Council were able to grasp the relevance of developing a more comprehensive system of sharing information to provide physically-challenged individuals the devices necessary for their comfort and survival.
The seminar also advocated awareness among delegates from different agencies that help is out there for people who need further assistance on AT devices.
The series of discussions conducted during the months of May and June created a positive impact that many people have sought the AT center for its services, according to Dr. Lamkin.
“It has made them aware that they can refer a person to the AT center due to the resources we have in place. Many people have been referred to the center since that training,” she added. (MM)
