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Tamara E. Varga
Coordinator, Assistive Technology Services
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
321 West Hatcher, Suite 102
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 943-5472
Email: tvargaaz@prodigy.net
Kelly S. Fonner
Educational & Assistive Technology Consultant
1508 Dodge Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(414) 249-9269
Email: kfonner@execpc.com
This presentation will focus on the design of the physical
space within any given lab setting. In addition, the presenters
will discuss specific programming involved in setting up the
assistive technology equipment and computer systems. The
presenters will look at computer designs based on limited access
to multiple computers, as well as unlimited access. Throughout
the workshop participants will be given information on specific
equipment to purchase depending on the focus of the lab they wish
to design. The physical layouts will be presented through the use
of video clips, slides and computer generated examples. Actual
organizational products will be on hand for participants to
view.
Assistive Technology (AT) Labs can serve many different purposes
and can be designed many different ways. The presenters will
focus on three possible lab designs:
Assessment Lab Design - This design is used when the primary
function of the lab is for the evaluation of an individual's
ability to access a given device or computer program. This type
of lab design is part of a comprehensive evaluation process. Once
initial information is gathered about a given individual,
stations can be set up to simulate certain activities found
within that individual's environment. After the individual is
given the opportunity to try out specific equipment, then a
system can be duplicated in the natural environment and the
evaluation can be completed. A mixture of current and past
products can used in this type of lab design.
Demonstration/Training Lab Design - This design is used when the
primary function of the lab is provide a mechanism for
individuals to learn more about technology through
self-exploration or guided assistance. This type of lab requires
training materials that are available for each given system or
station. These materials should be designed to guide an
individual through the basics of each item with little or no
verbal assistance. This type of lab design should be equipped
with the most current and up-to-date products and
information.
Therapy Lab Design - This design is used when the primary
function of the lab is to aid therapists and/or educators in
ongoing therapy with an individual who needs some type of
assistive technology. This type of lab should be set up with the
appropriate support materials and back-up systems to enhance a
person's ability to learn the use a given piece of technology or
system of communication and/or mobility.
Prior to establishing any type of lab you should have a plan of
action for the lab and it's use. You should have answers to the
following basic questions before you begin purchasing equipment
for the first time or before additional purchases are made to
your existing program/lab.
Do you have a designated space to house a lab? If so, how large
is the area and is it in more than one room or area? Is there
insurance to cover the amount of equipment located the lab?
What is the operating hours of the lab?
Who will be accessing the lab from within the program?
What is the primary function of the lab?
What are the ages of the individuals who will need to benefit
from the lab?
What portion of the items purchased will be for loan?
Do you have a loan policy, loan forms and sign out procedures
developed?
Do you have a maintenance plan for the equipment
purchased?
Who will be responsible for maintaining the lab and establishing
charging schedules for equipment?
Do you have literature on all equipment in the lab?
Do you have informational material on the lab and it's
use?
Do you have a complete inventory of all items within the lab? If
so, is this information on a database for accurate tracking and
how will the equipment be physically labeled?
Are manuals and accessories accessible for system?
Is the furniture and lighting adjustable within the lab
area?
Have you contacted the manufacturers prior to purchasing and met
with their representatives to determine the most cost efficient
purchases for your given circumstances/program?
Have you researched which companies have specials for bulk
purchasing or separate purchasing costs for labs?
Have you considered no tech, low tech and high tech options in
the lab? Do you have funding planned for the continued upgrade of
products in the lab?
Have you established one or more volunteers to assist in
developing overlays, programming systems, etc. on a monthly
basis?
Have you considered hiring a consultant to assist in the initial
development of the lab? If so, have you secured funding?
The answers to these questions are not always right or wrong.
They are designed to help you begin to organize your plan of
action. In considering these questions, one can avoid wasting
valuable time, effort and resources. Planning takes time
initially, but long-term it saves you many, many hours of
unnecessary changes and purchases.
What are some funding sources that can be accessed to develop
these types of labs? How can you incorporate the representatives
of the manufacturers of assistive technology products and
services into your labs? What is the best use of volunteers in
any given lab design? Where do families fit in? What role can the
consumer play? These and many more questions will be answered
throughout the presentation.
If you feel you are "organizationally challenged" and you need
help designing a lab that is right for you, then this is the
place to be. If you feel you are organized but don't know just
where to begin, then this is the place for you. We believe a lab
can be functional and look good at the same time. Martha Stewart
once said, "Organizing ones life to be beautiful and functional
is the cornerstone to true happiness." We believe that organizing
ones lab to be beautiful and functional is the cornerstone to
successful use of assistive technology services and products in
any program. Ok, Martha Stewart we aren't but come have fun with
us anyway and in the process create an amazing lab!
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