Blue Mountain Celebration offers a client-centered approach that incorporates input from the client, family, school, therapists, employer, and others. Our functional approach to technology assessment and planning considers the physical positioning of the client to be a key to optimal functioning.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• Evaluations to:
• Identify appropriate computer hardware (display size, keyboard size, specialized keyboard, specialized input device)
• Identify needed hardware modifications such as a tilted monitor, a tilted keyboard, a special input device mount
• Identify physical positioning needs such as distance from the display, need for arm support, need for improved seating, need for hand or arm splints
• Identify appropriate software
• Identify appropriate software modifications and customization
• Identify training needs for the client, family, school, employer
• Identify computer/curriculum integration strategies
• Assistance in following through with software and hardware recommendations from another professional or team
• Training (computer training, software training, computer/curriculum integration training) for:
• School staff working with students with disabilities, including 1:1 educational aides, regular education teachers, special education teachers, general school staff
• Students with disabilities
• Families of children with disabilities
• Employers
• Customization of hardware and software
• Assistance in developing documentation needed for requesting funds for hardware, software, and training
• Development of individualized software setups to help students with very severe disabilities:
• Communicate
• Participate more actively in their school curriculum
• Expand friendships
• Entertain themselves independently
• Participate more actively in play at home and at school
• Demonstrate their abilities
• Preparation of templates, blank or partially completed, so that families and therapists can more easily develop their own customized setups.
• Digitizing books, other text, art work, photographs, and songs for easy insertion into program setups such as Speaking Dynamically™ Pro and IntelliPics Studio - materials can be provided in a variety of formats or already inserted into the computer-based communication program of your choice
• Review of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and assistance in writing or rewriting one to better define technology needs, measurable technology objectives, measurable curriculum objectives, strategies for integrating the use of a computer into a student's curriculum

Hardware and Software Options

The choice of computer platforms (Windows vs. Macintosh) is likely to be driven by what is already available to a family or an individual or by what is already in use at the individual's school or business. Either platform can be used during an evaluation and materials can be developed for software using either platform.

Software options for academics and employment include, but are not limited to:

• MS Word (MS Office)
• Talking word processors
• Word prediction software (to reduce fatigue, enhance spelling, and speed typing)
• Graphic Organizer Software (for outlining, diagrams, and web-type organizers)
• Cursor enlargement software
• Math software (for math skills from preschool up to Algebra and including geometry)
• Map construction software
• Time line software
• Text-to-speech software, for individuals who read with difficulty