Announcements 10 February, 2005

Desktop Publishing / Copy Center to Refocus as
Assistive Technology Assessment Center




By David W. Manzo, President/Executive Director

As the result of careful planning by a number of Cotting staff members, I have decided to refocus the desktop publishing and copy center department beginning July 1, 2005.

As you know, in recent years our population of non-verbal students has increased. With advancements in computer technology these students, who were previously locked in a world without speech, are now able to communicate with their families, teachers and classmates thanks to the fine work of so many of you.

Given the increased number of students with these needs, as well as the needs of our other students, we are redesigning the desktop publishing/copy center space to include an Assistive Technology Assessment Center to better meet the needs of our students. This shift in the department's focus will allow us to increase valuable educational opportunities for all of our students. In addition, the area will serve as a training area for our staff.

For many years Cotting School provided outside printing services to businesses in the Boston area. Therefore, as part of the plan to use the desktop publishing and copy center space for technology, I have decided to end our outside printing services as of June 30, 2005.

Assistive technology (AT) is an inherent and essential need for every student at Cotting School. An assistive technology device is, "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities." There are many examples of AT currently in use throughout the building from adapted pencils, to switch activated devices, to software programs. AT is an important factor in the ability of students to access the curriculum effectively and engage in learning. The process of assessment and implementation of AT services is complex and dynamic. The evaluation process, combined with a comprehensive plan for implementing appropriate recommendations, is essential to providing students with the devices and services necessary to maximize their educational experiences.

Amy Houghton developed the concept of establishing an Assistive Technology Team at Cotting to ensure that this process is available to all of our students. Recently, Cotting School received a sizable donation from a former student's trust fund to support this new venture of developing an Assistive Technology Assessment Center (ATAC) at Cotting School. We are excited about the new opportunities the ATAC will represent for our students.