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Assitive Technology solutions to help a child communicate, play, and be more independent in his or her own home can be determined through an at-home consultation. Daily routines and structural environments will be considered. A report with specific suggestions will be provided following the consultation. Because low-tech options are considered first, most suggested materials are reasonably priced. Alternative suggestions are also provided when appropriate.
To help implement the suggested strategies, consultation with a child's regular educators and therapists is advised. Follow up visits are also availabe to help create an accessible environment or problem-solve the next steps towards meeting the goals you have for your child.
Documentation for private reimbursement through insurance or FSA is also available upon request.
Please note, home consultations are limited to the Northern Virginia and DC Metro area.
Presentations that focus on how to make low-tech materials can be a fun learning experience for a group of professionals, students, or parents. If desired, individual sessions can be arranged for learning "do-it-yourself" low-tech projects. Once the steps have been demonstrated and practiced, parents can feel confident in their ability to adapt toys for their own child.
Learning how to "do-it-yourself" can save you money and increase your child's variety of play and learning activities. Topics include: Adapting toys; Making PowerPoint presentations for Communcation and Learning Activities; and Making Your Own Switches.
Plus, it's fun!
Presentations are available for groups. They can be modified to meet your specific needs. Topics include: AAC (how to introduce it and how to progress); Teaching Sign Language to Toddlers; Adapting Toys and Play Activities; Computer Activities for Toddlers (low-tech access and software); and Accessible Environments.
Documentation of attended hours can be provided to help meet continuing education requirements when appropriate.
Previous presentations include:
Guest Lecturer- Augmentative Alternative Communication for Birth- Three (June 2005)
Guest Lecturer- Adaptive Play Strategies and Early Intervention (June 2005)
Guest Lecturer- Assessing Communication in Early Intervention (April 2005)
Guest Lecturer- Adaptive Play Strategies and Early Intervention (November 2006)
Presenter- Adapted Play and Communication Strategies for Children with Disabilities (April 2005)
Presenter- Augmentative Alternative Communication for Birth- Three (March 2005)
Guest Lecturer- Assistive Technology and Young Children (November 2005, October 2004)
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Heather Atkins is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She has over six years of experience providing services to infants/toddlers and their families in Northern Virginia. She received her B.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Virginia. Her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology was attained from Old Dominion University. She also holds a Certificate in Assistive Technology from George Mason University. |
| She knows the benefits of using Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) to improve the skills and lives of young children. She delights in teaching AT methods to families so they can offer the enjoyment and freedom of play and communication to their children. |