A NEAT Idea Just Got Brighter

Since ATP was established in 1989, there has always been an emphasis on creating awareness of and increasing access to assistive technology for children with disabilities. Initial ATP activities helped clarify policies in regards to funding for educational and assistive technology. Training was developed and provided to help educators incorporate assistive technology into classroom activities and learning. A pivotal study that found a need for technical assistance to ensure that Nebraska’s students had access to appropriate assistive technology eventually led to the establishment of Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology (NEAT). Since 1997, NEAT has been providing technical assistance to students and their families, teachers, and other professionals to help students with disabilities of all ages be successful in the classroom.
NEAT has:
• Developed an education discount-purchasing program encouraging statewide buys;
• Managed an equipment loan program to provide opportunities for trial use of equipment to ensure that appropriate equipment is recommended and provided;
• Provided used equipment to schools and families to reduce the cost of assistive technology; and
• Provided information, training and support to educators, parents, and related service providers.
While NEAT focused on the

educational assistive technology needs of children, ATP continued to work with children and their families on assistive technology needs beyond school. Often assistance and activities were a collaboration of ATP and NEAT.
Recently, the decision was made to “merge” NEAT under the ATP umbrella of programs and services. The outcome will result in better planning and delivery of services for children with assistive technology needs. If assistive technology is needed at school, there is likely a need for assistive technology at home and the community, and for students of transition age-in the workplace as well. Merging services will allow for assistive technology needs to be addressed in a way that can make better use of available resources.
How will things change? Initially you will not notice a difference. There are no changes in NEAT services, staff, and their locations. However, you will discover the following benefits:
• Students, their families, and schools will be able to locate information and services beyond the classroom. Working together NEAT and ATP will identify appropriate and cost effective solutions for students at home, work, and in their communities. It will be easier to access funding, housing information, low cost equipment, and other resources.
• Teachers and other education-related professionals will have the opportunity to access the expertise and experience

Continued on Page 11.

PAGE TWO - PAGE FIVE
FEATURE STORY
Shawn’s Adoption: From an Accessible Home to Adaptive Technology at School

Shawn washes his hands at his roll-under sink

Shawn uses his IntelliTool Software at school

PAGE SIX - PAGE SEVEN
Discover How AT Can Benefit Young Adults
PAGE EIGHT - PAGE NINE
Two Girls Who Experience Seizures; Two Very Different AT Stories
PAGES TEN - PAGE ELEVEN
AT For School-aged Children and Advocacy Resources

The Assistive Technology Partnership Newsletter Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12