Assistive Technology andEarly Intervention in

Colorado

Brian Burne, MSM, OTRMaureen Melonis, MSN, CCC-SLP

Assistive Technology Partners

• Established in 1989 under NIDRR• Part of the Department of Physical

Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver

• Encompasses programs in four major areas:– Clinical Services– Outreach– Research and Engineering– Education

What is assistive technology and why is it important for infants and toddlers?

Assistive Technology is any item that

helpsincrease theindependence andfunctioning of a

child.

Types of Allowable EI Services Under IDEA

• Assistive Technology• Audiology• Developmental

intervention• Health services• Nutrition• Occupational Therapy• Physical Therapy• Psychological services

• Respite care• Service Coordination• Social emotional

intervention• Speech-Language

Pathology• Transportation• Vision services

• Began in 2004/CDE; 10 providers• Transitioned to EI Colorado in 2007

– 30 AT consultants– Loan bank of $15,000– Technical support– Training

• Hope for the future…

Early Intervention Initiative in Colorado

That hope for the future is being realized with the expansion of the project through ARRA funds.

Project Objectives

• Increase the number of IFSP’s which document AT applications from the current count of 4% to 8% by June of 2011.

• Increase the number of AT Consultants across the state from 23 to as many as 50-60.

• Expand the knowledge base of service coordinators and EI providers throughout the state.

• Raise public and professional awareness throughout the state of AT in EI.

• Expand the Loan Bank.• Expand resources.

What steps are we taking to reach those objectives?

Branding and Marketing of the Early Intervention Program

Three Tiers of Professional Training

• Tier One: Web-based training tool for service coordinators and providers that provides an overview of AT in EI (also preliminary training for new AT Consultants).

• Tier Two: Two-day hands-on training for new AT Consultants that expands on the web training.

• Tier Three: Customized training delivered via web conferencing for regional subsets of AT Consultants.

Distribution of Marketing Flyers

• Doctor’s offices• EPSDT clinics• Health clinics• Health Care

Program for Children

• Child Find• Children’s

Hospital

Tech for TykesWeb Site Development

• Videos and case stories• Technical assistance brief• Parent Guide• Downloadable and printable resource

sheets• Promotional flyers• Networking resources• Evidence based practice• Professional development calendar

Technical Assistance

• Teleconferences• Social

networking• 1-800 access• E-mail

Pilot Project

Six month collaboration with two local CCB’s to analyze awareness, knowledge and use of AT services and devices.

•Pre-survey of staff•Review of records•Consultation and conferencing•Staff education•Post-survey

We look forward to a bright future and our partnership with Early Intervention Colorado!

For more information…

Brian Burne – brian.burne@ucdenver.eduMaureen Melonis –

maureen.melonis@ucdenver.edu

Assistive Technology Partners303-315-1280

www.assistivetechnologypartners.orgwww.TechForTykes.org