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Here’s how relay works (in a very simple nut shell)

• Someone with a disability calls 711 to place a call
• A Communication Assistant (CA) connects with the person to assist in placing the call
• Depending on what assistance is needed, the CA provides relay services including TTY, Voice Carry Over (VCO), Hearing Carry Over (HCO), Speech-to-Speech (STS), Spanish-to-Spanish and CapTel®.

In the state of Rhode Island, the company Hamilton Relay provides all free relay services. Hamilton Relay has one fabulous Customer Outreach Coordinator: Courtenay Petracca. Courtenay is available to come to the place where you work to train your staff to become a Relay Friendly Business. The Relay Friendly Business Program is free! You can positively impact relay users by making the Relay Friendly Business training a part of your employee development plans, and by telling friends and business associates about the program.

For information on how you can become a Relay Friendly Business
visit the Hamilton Relay website or email rirelay AT hamiltonrelay DOT com

The Wolf School is a nationally recognized private special education school for lower and middle school students with complex learning needs. Join us this summer and discover the Wolf difference!
TechACCESS and The Wolf School have collaborated on a program for children that will run this summer:

“Apps-olutely Awesome”
Children will explore a variety of “Apps” for the iPad to support skill development in the areas of writing, math, social skills, reading, and independent play. Facilitated by a Wolf School occupational therapist and an assistive technology specialist from TechACCESS of Rhode Island.

Session I

Session II

For more information visit www.thewolfschool.org/summer_program.html

Speech and Language Pathologist
Augmentative Communication Specialist
Position Opening

About the Opportunity
TechACCESS of RI is looking for a Speech and Language Pathologist to join its staff as an Augmentative Communication Specialist.

Company Description
Nonprofit organization TechACCESS of RI was founded in 1991 with the intention of making “assistive technology” a part of everyone’s vocabulary.  From the beginning, the organization set a high standard for technology service delivery and for maintaining expert level competency with technologies.  Since their inception, they have been committed to finding real solutions that provide functional outcomes for the people they serve, to building and sustaining collaborations for program development and systems change activities, and to serving as a resource center for professional development and capacity building throughout the state.
TechACCESS of RI Speech Pathologists provides assessment, consultation, and therapy services to children and adults who cannot use speech as their primary mode of communication.

Job Description
Full-time / part-time position (32 – 40 hours) for certified speech and language pathologist
Flexible scheduling
Salary commensurate with experience
We will provide advanced training on devices and processes if needed

As a Speech and Language Pathologist you will:

• Evaluate speech/language skills
• Plan and provide high quality speech and language therapy services, addressing areas such as receptive and expressive language, articulation, auditory processing, and pragmatic language
• Work with other highly skilled clinicians through a multi- or interdisciplinary team approach
• Communicate effectively with educators, clinicians, staff, families
• Protect confidentiality in all areas as applicable
• Have a knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in Speech Pathology practice
• Able to keep accurate records and write meaningful reports
• Able to execute therapeutic procedures and manipulate special equipment accurately and safely
• Organize and prioritize tasks and projects
• Collaborate with experienced AAC and assistive technology consultants

Must hold an active license to practice in Rhode Island.
Must be ASHA certified.
Must have at least one year of experience.

To apply for this position
Please send cover letter and resume to:
TechACCESS of RI
Attn: Judith Carlson
110 Jefferson Blvd, Suite I
Warwick,RI02888-3854
or email jcarlson@techaccess-ri.org

Please download the official position opening in PDF here

This demo is free and runs monthly. It’s presented by Denise Corson from ATEL and James Litvack of PARI Independent Living Center

Technology and Communication Strategies for Persons with Hearing Loss is a demonstration that helps Hard of Hearing individuals move from isolation to independence, by:

• Learning about supportive organizations where people with all degrees of hearing loss come together to share and learn – and where it’s okay not to hear well.
• Talk with others who have hearing loss.
• Learn about advocacy and the laws that protect you, and find out about local resources.
• Learn about the latest technology – hearing aids, amplified phones, CapTel phones, cochlear implants, captioning, hearing assistive technology, and more – all to help you live well with hearing loss.
• See how a hearing-friendly environment works to help you with your hearing loss.
All attendees can loan out equipment, on a first come first service basis, to see if the equipment is appropriate for their needs. Also, qualified attendees can apply for a FREE telephone thru the ATEL Program.

Location:
TechACCESS, 110 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite I, Warwick, RI
Time:
5:00 to 6:00 PM – view and demonstrate ATEL telephone equipment only.
6:00 to 8:00 PM- Technology and Coping Skills for Persons with Hearing Loss

These workshops are free, no registration is required. Cart Services will be provided; however, if you need any other special accommodations, please call 3 weeks in advance.

Inclement Weather Policy
Please note that if the local news reports that there is either business or school closing in Warwick due to weather, then the demonstration is cancelled and will reconvene the following month.
For more information, call 401-463-0202 (V/TDD), in state 800-916-8324

Our own Matthew Provost, M.S., CCC-SLP has created a tutorial on making your own object communication symbols. The tutorial is very thorough and lays out all the materials, steps, and tips on making the symbols.

View the tutorial here!

Do you have a request for a tutorial? Send us an email at techaccess AT techaccess-ri DOT org !

Elizabeth “Betsy” Dalton has been Assistant Professor of Special Education at Rhode Island College and Coordinator of Assistive Technology for the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities for 18 years.  Betsy completed her PhD in Education in 2009 at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College (joint program), and was recognized for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Education Award, 2009, Kappa Delta Pi (RI), for “The Relationship between Assistive Technology State Standards for Teachers, Assistive Technology Implementation, and Student Performance in the Context of Evidence-based Practice”.

Betsy brings to TechACCESS her impressive expertise and true enthusiasm for her work.  Please join us in welcoming her to TechACCESS of RI.

Elizabeth M. Dalton’s full biography can be found on The TechACCESS Team page.

Be Inspired with Inspiration 9
March 8 3:30 – 5:30
Inspiration 9 software allows users to create visual maps and outlines that can be easily transferred to a word processor. Version 9 now contains Inspiration’s Presentation Manager, which allows educators to transform diagrams, mind maps and outlines into presentations for their students. This workshop will provide an overview of key features of this dynamic software program. $30

Boardmaker 6 FULL DAY Workshop
March 23 8:30 – 3:00
Participants will learn how to draw, label, spray, and manipulate buttons, search for symbols, use colors, customize and create new symbols, use right click menus, and use other basic features of Boardmaker 6. Participants will also learn how to use the symbolate tool, moveable buttons, and explore the new speech options of Boardmaker 6 Plus to create interactive language and lesson materials. Lunch is included. $150

The iPad as an Educational Tool FULL DAY WORKSHOP
March 30 8:30 – 3:00
This comprehensive workshop includes discussion of the following topics: iTunes basics; identifying the most efficient ways to search for apps and find FREE apps; managing and organizing your apps; how to set Restrictions; Accessibility Options of the iPad; Tips and Tricks; the best accessories and hardware for your iPad; how to make a stylus; identifying potential obstacles; and demonstration of a variety of apps. Attendees must have the latest iPad operating system installed before attending. $150

Accessible Reading: Adobe Reader X and Adobe Digital Additions
April 5 3:30 – 5:30
Explore these free software options with us! Adobe Reader X is free software you can use to read and access the information contained within PDF files. Adobe Reader X contains many capabilities specifically designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to read PDF files, regardless of whether the files have been optimized for accessibility. Adobe Digital Editions software allows users to view and manage eBooks and other digital publications. $30

For more visit our Workshop Calendar

  We are happy to announce that Eve Sadd, M.S., CCC-SLP has joined our team at TechACCESS of RI as an Augmentative Communication Consultant.

  Eve has spent an impressive 27 years in the field, and has served as president of the Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Eve has has worked with preschool, school-age, and adult populations, serving people with autism, cerebral palsy, and other multiple/severe disabilities. Eve Sadd is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed and certified by the state of Rhode Island.