If you are, or you know, a student or family member who is a ND high school student with disabilities age 14-21, this update is for you!
This past year, an increasing number of ND high school students with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental and communication disabilities have utilized the services made available through Assistive’s Agreement with Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VR) of the Department of Human Services. As we begin our second program year, let’s recap the opportunities that have been provided to these students across ND in 2016-17.
Through our agreement with VR, Assistive has been able to assess and address the assistive technology (AT) needs of high school students in transition, as young as 14. We have traveled to a great number of schools across the special education regions of ND to provide funded assessments, demonstrations, Individualized Education Program (IEP) presentations, and various gatherings of all kinds to promote awareness of the program.
What have we been up to?
- We’ve been learning of student’s needs in each of their environments through contact with any and all service providers and family members.
- We’ve been “packing bags” of AT, and traveling to meet with students and their teams to experiment with every AT device, app, tool that may provide solutions at school, home, and work.
- We’ve been providing detailed assessment reports, listing and describing each AT solution, with links to where to get them.
- We’ve been getting school districts set up with AT4ALL programs. Which allows them to advertise and share viable, used AT equipment with schools across the state.
- We’ve been setting up students with device rentals, so they can try before they buy.
- We’ve been collaborating with VR counselors, to ensure that the AT used in the school setting is appropriate, and transitions to their next environment, whether educational or employment related.
- We’ve been encouraging students to be self-advocates, as they approach the end of their high school years, and plan for life beyond.
- We’ve been building relationships, providing on-going help to students, families, teachers.
Does this information make you think of a certain student who might benefit?
What should you do as a: student, parent, teacher, therapist, case manager, VR counselor?
- Call Assistive in Fargo or Mandan
- Provide us with access to student’s background
- Set up demonstration or assessment
Consider these great opportunities for high school students across the state, provided through the VR-Transition Program. Let’s collaborate to bridge the gap between ability and disability!
Lynette Wavra
VR-Transition Program Coordinator
ND Assistive
701-551-7088