Allied Health Professions to open Assistive Technology
Assessment Center
Have you ever purchased an automobile without taking it for a test drive?
For most people, the answer is an emphatic, "no!"
A test drive is a great way to see if what you're interested in buying is what you think it is, and to find out if it will meet your needs. The same holds true for assistive technology devices for special education students.
Until now, however, school districts, special education local plan areas (SELPAS), and parents of children with disabilities have not had a place to "test drive" assistive technology devices for their special education students.
That's about to change when a new Assistive Technology Assessment Center opens its doors in Loma Linda.
The Center will allow for students with low-incidence disabilities and special needs to be evaluated by an interdisciplinary assessment team which will determine the abilities and needs of each student. The student will then have the opportunity to try various types of state-of-the-art technology before a purchase recommendation is made.
Once assistive equipment is purchased through appropriate funding mechanisms, training will be provided for the student and caregiver, as well as other involved agency personnel.
The Center is a result of the efforts of a consortium consisting of representatives from several SELPAS, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Loma Linda University, and California Children Services.
The School of Allied Health Professions has provided a centrally located, accessible, secure site to house the Center. Students from occupational therapy and speech language pathology programs will benefit by being involved in interdisciplinary team evaluations and follow-up training on the assistive equipment.
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