Jenna Estep     
Educational Resource Center
Telephone: (910) 484-3119

Assistive Technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or to improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Assistive Technology can also be "any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the evaluation for and/ or selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device."
The Cumberland County Assistive Technology program consists of a team of professional serving all school age children in Cumberland County. The Core Committee includes a Speech/Language Pathologist, a Hearing-Impaired consultant, a Program Specialist, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Therapist, a Visually Impaired consultant, and an Assistive Technology Equipment Specialist.

Referral Process:  

A referral to the Assistive Technology Team can be made by a teacher, a parent, a therapist or other educator.
Cases are assigned at monthly meetings.  Assistive Tech evaluation will be done by an Assistive Tech Team member. Assistive Tech Team member will present information at monthly meeting.

Assistive Technology Team discussion:

• Define problem
• Define goals
• Define recommendations
• Recommendations are returned to referral source
• Possible outcomes
• Training for the student, professionals and parents
• Procurement of materials, devices and/or equipment
• Investigation of funding sources for equipment/software
• Ongoing evaluation
• Monitoring student’s progress
• Staff Development

In order to meet the student’s academic goals, multiple services are frequently needed throughout his/her educational career.