Assistive Technology Available in Mankato

Technology Plus, South Central Service Cooperative and the Region 9 Low Incidence Project have joined together to sponsor an Assistive Technology program for area communities. This program enables people with disabilities to attend demonstrations and try various Assistive software and equipment free of charge.  Special informative sessions will be offered periodically covering topics ranging from literacy issues, to hearing impairment at the Technology Plus Community Access Center and everyone is welcome!  Free consultation with an assistive technology specialist and national trainer is also available at the Center.

January 20^th kicked off the program at Technology Plus with an Open House event that brought together nearly 60 consumers, parents, teachers and other community members to gain knowledge on assistive technology and how it can impact a person’s ability to perform work.  Too often consumers purchase technology to discover that it does not meet their needs.  This program allows consumers and other agencies to try a variety of software programs and devices, and gain more knowledge before purchasing software or other adaptive equipment. Minnesota State University, Mankato Speech and Language Department and the Rehabilitation Department are currently using this facility to train students on the different solutions that are on the market

The following sessions are planned for spring at the Technology Plus Community Access Center:

• May 11, 2004, 3–8 p.m. “Make and Take Literacy Training.” Participants will be able to work on their own to make books through the use of IntelliPics Studio, My Own Bookshelf, and PowerPoint software.

• June 8, 2004, 3–8 p.m.  “Adaptive Equipment and Low-Tech Ideas Training.”   Participants will be able to view low-tech ideas for creating stories, schedules, and performing writing.

• June 10–11, 2004, (TBA) “IntelliTools Training.”  IntelliTools is sponsoring training on the new IntelliSuite Software.  For IntelliTools registration go to www.intellitools.com

Mary Peterson, Assistive Technology Specialist and national trainer, offers free consultation to individuals at the Center.  Mary has over 15-years of experience working with people with disabilities as a special education teacher in the Mankato School District.  Contact Mary Peterson at 507-345-3015 x 244, e-mail: mpeter1@isd77.k12.mn.us .