Technical Assistance | Employment & Career Development | Organizational & Systems Development | Personal Empowerment & Leadership | Technologies for Independence & Control
Technologies for Independence & Control . . .
Since our inception as an organization, Networks has been committed to assisting people with disabilities to voice hopes and dreams, and to then bring these dreams into reality through changes in their work, social, and living situations. Over the years, this commitment has grown naturally to also include assisting people with seemingly limited or unrecognized functional communication methods to not only find their voice figuratively, but also literally.
Through helping hundreds of people explore various means of communication, we have dedicated ourselves to a total communication approach that first acknowledges the patterns the person already has and then works systematically to develop with them increased means and methods of expression. And, while the person and their communication is our primary focus, we fully embrace a team approach and know the importance of assisting the person in conjunction with those closest to them to explore new and expanded ways of communicating.
Finding a way to communicate only opens the possibility
of life... the next steps
are sometimes much trickier.
are sometimes much trickier.
Other Technologies . . .
As our experiences have increased, so has our knowledge of creative solutions for many people on the job, at home, recreationally, and socially... all to help people get involved, stay involved, and be more a part of life! We recognize the varied “Assistive Technology” (AT) we all use in our lives and how sometimes very simple adaptations, accommodations, gadgets, gizmos, and more can dramatically increase the choice, control, and true independence possible for all of us.
What We Can Offer . . .
Our “Technology” services are available for people in all age groups and life situations. Whether it’s a student with disabilities trying to be included in class work, a person needing home modifications for increased independence, a worker or employer needing job accommodations, or a senior citizen trying to maintain their individual lifestyle... Networks can assist you!
- Group training and demonstration in today's trends and options in AT/AAC.
- Direct consultation with people who currently use some AT or who could benefit from some form of AT to explore systems, technology, and support strategies for more independence.
- Opportunities for people with limited or unrecognized functional communication methods to explore possible systems and strategies of AAC to be more fully expressive.
- Individualized training regarding specific issues and uses of AT/AAC.
- Assistance to schools, businesses, and other organizations on how to adapt their environments to enable the fuller participation of everyone.
- Mentorship, collaborations, and partnerships to expand the knowledge and expertise of others in AT/AAC.
- Through this we have seen the power of assisting all of us to dream, dare to express it, pull together our own "Circles of Support", and plan a course of action...
Summary . . .
"The right to communicate is both a basic human right and the means by which all other rights are realized. All people communicate. In the name of fully realizing the guarantee of individual rights, we must ensure: that all people have a means of communication which allows their fullest participation in the wider world; that people can communicate using their chosen method and that their communication is heeded by others." (TASH, 1994)
To request Technical Assistance, complete a Training and Technical Assistance Request Form, email Jill Gromen, or call 1-866-683-3651.
