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Who We Are

Staff, board members and guests gather outside of the Fargo office to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ND Assistive with a ribbon cutting.

Leadership 

North Dakota Assistive Leadership Members include:

Staff Members

North Dakota Assistive Staff Members include:

About North Dakota Assistive

North Dakota Assistive is a non-profit organization that strives to bring assistive technology devices and services into the lives of North Dakotans and Minnesotans of all ages who need it. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between ability and disability using assistive technology.

We are constantly following advances in the field of assistive technology so that we have the expertise to consistently provide comprehensive, quality services. The services that we provide can cover a broad range of needs. This includes assistance in the classroom, the community, and at work, as well as, technology to allow those experiencing the effects of aging to safely remain living in their own homes. Providing funding and distribution programs is another integral segment of our organization. We feel that all people should be given the opportunity to learn about, try, and afford assistive technology devices.

Our Background

North Dakota Assistive is a non-profit organization that was designated by the former Governor Ed Schafer as the implementing entity for the Statewide Assistive Technology Act Program in 1993. In addition, North Dakota Assistive is the implementing agency for several other state and federal contracts as described on this site.

North Dakota Assistive is governed by a Board of Directors and is provided program guidance through a Consumer Advisory Council. This council is made up of individuals and agency staff representing a range of ages, abilities, and regions of the state.

North Dakota Assistive services are supported by a variety of funding sources including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living; the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Divisions; the State of Minnesota, MN STAR; and private donations.

North Dakota Assistive actively seeks other funding sources and projects that fit our mission.

Board of Directors

North Dakota Assistive is governed by a Board of Directors including:

Consumer Advisory Council

The purpose of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice for the planning of, implementation of, and evaluation of, the activities carried out through the Assistive Technology (AT) Act, including setting measurable goals.

Council's Mission
    • Is responsive to the consumer
    • Includes persons with all disabilities and across all ages in every aspect of the program
    • Seeks meaningful consumer involvement at all levels of the project
    • Provides statewide access to assistive technology and services
    • Addresses assistive technology issues involving all settings (home, work, school, community, and play)
    • Collaboratively develops a long-range statewide plan for assistive technology in North Dakota
Council's Mission
    • Is responsive to the consumer
    • Includes persons with all disabilities and across all ages in every aspect of the program
    • Seeks meaningful consumer involvement at all levels of the project
    • Provides statewide access to assistive technology and services
    • Addresses assistive technology issues involving all settings (home, work, school, community, and play)
    • Collaboratively develops a long-range statewide plan for assistive technology in North Dakota
Council Activities
    • Advising North Dakota Assistive staff on whether the organizational services are meeting the needs of the people being served
    • Provide viewpoints from other organizations, agencies, or constituents
    • Provide liaison with regional community groups and other constituencies of North Dakota Assistive
    • Provide financial or other advice
    • Help foster good public relations
    • Serve on committees or task forces for specific objectives
    • Assist in outreach to under-represented groups in North Dakota
    • Assist in the evaluation of the consumer-responsiveness of state project activities as well as of subcontractors and other public and private agencies and making recommendations for improvements
    • Having influence with the legislature
    • Identify barriers to providing assistive technology devices and services
Current Council Members
    • Ken Dockter, Grand Forks
    • Jennifer Erickson, Fargo
    • Lacey Long, Mandan
    • Holly Major, Bismarck
    • Charlene Ota, Fargo
    • Sheryl Scioscia-Beard, Williston
    • Jordan Wetzel, Bismarck
    • Denise Stromme, Fargo
    • Josie Uthke, Grand Forks
    • Trevor Vannett, Bismarck
    • Ryan Volk, Bismarck
    • Maggie Williams, Bismarck
    • Helen Baumgartner, Mandan

Other Ways ND Assistive Helps

Public Awareness

Part of ND Assistive’s mission is to educate people on the assistive technology devices and services that are available to them. 

This includes providing information on:

    • Funding options
    • Policies and benefits that are available
    • Devices and services available
    • … and more!
Public Events
  • We are available to speak about our program’s services or set up an exhibit for clubs, professional organizations, family support groups, and/or at local, regional, or statewide conferences throughout North Dakota and parts of Minnesota.
Public Events
  • We are available to speak about our program’s services or set up an exhibit for clubs, professional organizations, family support groups, and/or at local, regional, or statewide conferences throughout North Dakota and parts of Minnesota.
Blog & Website
  • Our website is packed with information and articles that we’ve written to provide the people we serve with the best tools for making decisions, learning new things, and even reading the stories of other people whose lives have been changed by assistive technology

Collaboration

ND Assistive is also here to help policymakers and leaders in state agencies, communities, hospitals, and disability networks make decisions or get a new understanding of disabilities and what assistive technology has to offer. Our expertise and focus on assistive technology ensure that we stay on top of exciting developments and changes that can benefit any organization.

 

Our collaboration efforts have come in many shapes and sizes. Contact us to learn more about how we can enhance your organization’s understanding and implementation of assistive technology devices and services.

For more information about scheduling a presentation or exhibit, please call and ask to speak with an Assistive Technology Consultant.

Have questions or need assistance?

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