EASTCONN has partnered with The Connecticut Tech Act Project to provide Digital Accessibility training throughout the State of Connecticut. Training focuses on creating accessible Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and PDF documents that are shared electronically or via the web. There are several goals participants will walk away with as a result of this training: 1) know how to use the built-in accessibility checkers and program tools to remediate documents, 2) learn how to create new documents using digital accessibility strategies, and 3) gain an understanding of how to ensure better digital accessibility practices within their department. For more information about on-site Digital Training Sessions, please contact Amy Norton at anorton@eastconn.org.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) notes that they “give individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities the tools, information and support they need to find a job.” As part of this support, the BRS Counselor may request Assistive Technology services, including assessment, consultation and training. It is important to note that these supports, and the scope of what the services encompass, can only be requested through the BRS counselor, NOT directly by the consumer. In addition, the counselor and consumer jointly select which AT provider or agency to request services from. (EASTCONN is just one of the agencies that can provide these services on request to BRS consumers.) Assessment may encompass areas including: what a consumer needs in order to manage their morning routine and prepare to get themselves ready to go to work; what AT devices and/or accommodations are needed on the job site in order to perform the essential functions of the job; and more. Training may be provided to the consumer, family members, caregivers, employers and their staff.

The Connecticut Tech Act project has been selected by the FCC to provide telecommunications equipment to low-income persons who are deaf/blind. Criteria related to eligibility to participate in this program can be found at CT Tech ACT. As part of the services provided through this program, the CT Tech Act can request Assistive Technology services, including assessment, consultation and training. It is important to note that these supports, and the scope of what the services encompass, can only be requested through the Tech Act project coordinator, NOT directly by the consumer. The Project Coordinator also selects what provider or agency will be requested to provide these services. EASTCONN is just one of the agencies that can provide these services on request to eligible consumers. Assessment encompasses the determination of what devices the consumer needs in order to access telecommunications, such as specialized amplified phones, smartphones, tablets, computers, screen magnification software and so on. Services may also include training for the consumer, family and caregivers. All services and devices provided through the Access Through Technology program are done so at no cost to eligible consumers.

Level Up provides students aged 16-21 with the tools, training and resources to work competitively and to forge a path to independence. By working together, we are building relationships with schools, families and the community and have created a collaborative partnership that introduces students who have an IEP, 504 plan or related challenges to new possibilities. The goal of this project is to help students be prepared to go out and find their place in the world. EASTCONN Assistive Technology Services is an approved vendor for Level Up and is available to introduce an individual student or groups of students to, and increase their use of, Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services.