New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Resource & Education Center

The NEAT Center at Oak Hill enriches lives by enhancing independence and quality of life for people with disabilities including visual impairments. It sets the standard in providing innovative solutions, program excellence, services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

The NEAT Center at Oak Hill is a place to learn about products, equipment and services that assist people with day-to-day activities that they have trouble doing themselves, either because of a disability or the effects of aging. It is also a place to donate or buy durable medical equipment.

The NEAT Center is a program of Oak Hill.

Our legal name is The Connecticut Institute for the Blind, Inc., d/b/a, Oak Hill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Download our brochure (820KB PDF)

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Oak Hill's Notice of Privacy Practices

Download Attachment: Oak Hill's Notice of Privacy Practices

Information For

Supporting Language and Communication for Individuals with Autism

Description:

Should I use voice output augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with people with autism?

As long as someone can talk (like repeating lines from movies or imitating speech), she doesn’t need AAC, right?

Wouldn’t a communication device make him less likely to learn how to talk?

Why would I give an expensive communication device to someone with problem behaviors?

Now that he has a communication device what can I do help him use it effectively?

Why should I put visual supports for behavior and learning on a communication device?

Have you ever asked these questions? Have you heard someone else ask them but didn’t know how to respond? If so, AAC Strategies: Supporting Language and Communication for Individuals with Autism is for you.

This session will begin with a review of research related to AAC and autism. With an understanding of what the research does (and does not) tell us, we will explore best practices and practical strategies for maximizing functional use of AAC for people with autism. Specifically, we will focus on techniques to address each of the areas of language and communication typically impacted by autism:

Expressive and receptive language
Social communication
Behavior and emotional regulation

To register: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/training/onlocation/search-aac.aspx

Download Attachment:

Training Calendar 2009-2010 posted under Professional Development!

Workshops, Seminars and Product Demonstrations for the 2009-2010 School Year is now on-line!

The NEAT training catalog for August 2009 to June 2010 announces opportunities for anyone interested in the latest assistive technology devices and services.

Please see the course descriptions to help guide you in selecting workshops, seminars or product demonstrations.

To download your copy of NEAT's Training catalog, click here.

Check back often for updates!

The NEAT AT HIRE Project

Assistive Technology:

Hire

Innovative

Resourceful

Employees

Providing workplace accommodation solutions and information resources for employers, employees and individuals seeking employment.

Workplace Accommodation Kits & Lending Library
Evaluation & Consultation Services
Training, Events & Professional Development
Business Employment Resources
Individual Employment Resources
Transportation Resources

Visit the NEAT AT HIRE Project!

Building Your Own Assistive Technology Team

Do you want to create your own assistive technology team in your school or district, but don’t know where to start? Come to this workshop to learn how to capitalize on the skills of the professionals in your own building to build a team approach to providing assistive technology services to your students with disabilities. This workshop will be chock full of assistive technology resources to set you on the path to creating a successful AT team. We will look at successful models and case studies of AT teams, analyzing their successes and the hurdles that they may have had to overcome in the process. Bring your questions or concerns on how your school can provide AT tools and services to best meet the needs of all of your learners.

Recommended for: General and Special Education Teachers, Administrators, and Related Service Professionals.

Date: February 25, 2010

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Fee: $75 members/ $90 non-members

Is Space at NEAT available to Rent?

YES! Just follow the link below!

Rental Information

Download directions to the NEAT Center here.

Download Attachment: Directions to the NEAT Center

Read&Write 9 GOLD Software Toolkit and Training Workshop

Presented by: Carmen Simon, Director of Product Support, Texthelp Systems

Give students struggling with reading and writing the help they need with Read&Write GOLD!

Students can complete reading, writing, and research assignments independently using the support tools they need on the customizable easy-to-use toolbar.

Participants will receive:

v Single User Copy of Read&Write 9 GOLD

v Software Maintenance Agreement (Includes free updates and upgrades for one year)

v 5 contact hours of hands-on Training along with supplemental materials. CEU’s available

v Lunch included

Total Software and Training Value = $990.00

ALL FOR JUST $495.00 per Participant!

Recommended for: Regular, Higher and Special Education Teachers, Clinicians and Related Service Professionals

Date: To be determined

Time: 9:00am-3pm