Services: Consultation
- AT Consultation Services at Home and School
- Educational Consultation Services
- Northern New England AgrAbility Project
- ATECH Services
AT Consultation Services at Home and School
Here at ATECH Services we can provide consultation services in all areas of Assistive Technology. These areas inlcude computer access through hardware and software, and Aids for Daily Living such as: One Handed Solutions, Back Saving Solutions, Slips & Falls Solutions, Grasping Solutions, Low Vision Solutions Blind Solutions, Assistive Listening Solutions, Electronic Aids for Daily Living Solutions, Adaptive Toys with Battery Interrupters, and Adaptive Push Button Toys.
These consultations can be performed at our site in Concord in your Home or School. Call or e-mail with your questions!
Educational Consultation Services
NH Vision/Hearing Network's educational consultants are available throughout the school year to provide training and technical assistance to school teams. For teams with limited experience with students with vision or hearing disabilities, the consultants are a valuable resource that can share teaching strategies and curriculum modification techniques to general and special education teachers and paraprofessionals. We encourage schools to avail themselves of the expertise of the consultants at NH Vision/Hearing Network. Each student that is referred to NH Vision/Hearing Network will be assigned a consultant, and they are available to help. Call or email with your questions!
How Consultants Can Help
Here are just a few examples:
- For teams working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, consultants will help to set up assistive listening devices that are being used by students, explain how to best work with an interpreter in the classroom, or help identify instructional materials that will need to be adapted to allow for equal access to the general curriculum for all students.
- For teams working with students who are low vision or blind, our expert consultants can share teaching strategies for students who use Braille, offer strategies for fully including students with low vision in classroom activities, or provide suggestions for effective curriculum modification.
- Consultants can follow up on recommendations of an assistive technology evaluation to assist the team in incorporating recommended AT devices into the general curriculum.
- Consultants can assist schools in determining the appropriate accommodations for statewide testing such as the NECAP.
NH Vision/Hearing Network consultants are available to visit your school to observe the student and make recommendations. Schools are also strongly encouraged to include the perspective and advice of the consultant when preparing the student's IEP. In addition, workshops on a variety of topics are provided by the consultants either at the local school or in the NH Vision/Hearing Network office in Concord. Check our website for a regularly updated list of professional development opportunities.
ATECH Services
ATECH Services is a highly specialized clinical program that provides evaluation and consultation services in the area of assistive technology. Our most valued asset is our interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, special educators and rehabilitation technicians, all of whom possess advanced training in this field. This confluence of clinical expertise enables us to assess complex medical, physical, orthopedic, cognitive and communication needs and recommend assistive technology solutions. Services are provided at our centers in Laconia and Concord and, when appropriate, in the consumer's home or community.
Seating and Wheeled Mobility services address the configuration of wheelchairs and seating systems to meet the unique needs of the consumer. The program includes the availability of Force Sensing Array technology, a computerized system that maps pressure distribution on any weight-bearing surface. Our team model and individualized approach facilitate recommendations for a system (manual or power) that will promote health, function, and quality of life. Our long-term relationships with consumers provide opportunities to address issues related to growth and changes in medical, physical, or living conditions.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services focus on communication methods, strategies, and devices for those who are unable to effectively use speech to express themselves. Physical, cognitive and social concerns are addressed through communication devices, access solutions, and strategic plans for educational, vocational, and personal success. Program components include evaluation, trial, training, and follow-up services.
Computer Access services are designed for individuals who require assistive technology (hardware and software) to use a computer at home, school, or work. Recommended solutions facilitate physical access, written expression, organizational skills, and participation in educational and vocational activities. Suggestions are also intended to prevent injuries and maximize function through the use of appropriate positioning and ergonomic strategies.
Home Modification, Mobility, and Aids for Daily Living services promote accessibility, safety, function, and quality of life for people with disabilities. In addition to providing recommendations for ambulation aids, standers, bathroom equipment, handrails, lighting, personal care items, utensils, and environmental control units, clinicians also address issues related to room usage and physical access. Home modification solutions such as ramps, door widening, elevators, and lifts are reviewed, and if indicated, general recommendations related to remodeling are presented. Clinicians are available to consult with architects and contractors during the planning and construction phases of the project.
Worksite Modification services address how assistive technology can improve accessibility, communication, task completion, and productivity within the workplace. Injury prevention, back and labor saving solutions, and ergonomic strategies are also explored.
Modification and Fabrication services are available to enhance the appropriateness of an assistive technology device for an individual consumer. Our skilled team of clinicians and rehabilitation technologists apply their combined talents to create effective solutions, such as seating systems, communication equipment, switches, reading stands, pointing devices, jigs and fixtures, and splints. Our ability to creatively modify commercial products, and fabricate equipment not otherwise available, optimizes a person's ability to benefit from assistive technology solutions.