Assistive Technology + Team Collaboration = Unlimited Possibilites

It is with relief, appreciation and hope that the professionals taking the time to work with us in this pursuit of researching, reviewing, testing, funding, acquiring, implementing and teaching the system(s) that will define "Assistive Technology" be acknowledged for their efforts now and their continuing efforts into the next few years. I believe the benefits will be GREAT for ALL of us!

I learned this past year that accomplishing much of the above on my own amounts to only minimal growth and accomplishment. The scope of need that the autistic adolescent requires must come from a cohesive team fluent in the systems that require the "AT".

Experience shows that I can give my child the tools and skills to operate the technology, but cannot give her the guidance and understanding of when the appropriate time would be to utilize the "AT" in an environment from which I am absent. The Team needs the time to train, collaborate and implement these systems. I was mistaken when I thought the biggest hurdle would be the financing, the greatest challenge is Time; especially when it is not my own.

This is the beginning of an exciting journey as a Team moving towards a common goal that will benefit not just a few special children, but that will benefit all as well as their families given the opportunity. I cannot help but foresee wonderful, beneficial results from this work we are doing. I have hopes that more will join our efforts.

Thank you Pat, Diane, Julia for your continued efforts this past year and into next. I look forward to what accomplishments Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Barta will help us achieve as part of this team now and into next year.