Technical Resource Centre, Nova Scotia, Canada

"Each individual regardless of the severity of the disability should be given the chance, training, technology, respect and encouragement to participate and be an active citizen in the home, school, workplace and community."


1349 County Home Road PO Box 128 Waterville Nova Scotia B0P 1V0 Canada Tel: (902) 538-3103 ext:112 Fax: (902) 538-7022 Email: trc@nsnet.org

Knowledge, Empowerment, Imagination, Creativity

The Assistive Technology Consideration

The Technical Resource Centre offers a range of programs and services in the field of assistive technology. Sophisticated and simple forms of assistive and adaptive technology are available at the centre from computer based to environmental aids. TRC consultants have access a wide range of information and technology solutions for providing ongoing technical support to consumers and professionals across various ages, disabilities and agencies.

As a professional's resource centre, the TRC has been supporting and networking with a range of consumers, organizations, agencies and groups from around the province. Emphasizes is on education, empowerment, training, collaboration, improved practices and a planning process. The TRC maximizes resources as cost effective and flexible as possible to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge across a range of consumers and professionals with similar needs and interests.

Professional Training Opportunies
Workshop/Information Sessions
Intellikeys (Overlay Maker, IntelliPics, Intellitalk, ClickIt, Boardmaker)
Boardmaker
Alernate Keyboards
Access Features of Win 3.1, Win 95/98/2000, Macintosh OS, Linx
Text to Speech
Word Prediction Software
Voice Recognition
Simple Technology
Product Demonstration and Preview
Assistive Technology Overview
Switch Access (Computer/Environmental)

Other specific training needs
Individual Consultation and Discovery Sessions
Team Building and Assistive Technology Decision Making
START Model
Program Development and Strategic Planning

Technical Direction and Support
Product Information and Sources

Assistive Technology Library
Resource Reference Materials
Freeware/Shareware Selection
Video Collection

PCREACH

How can the TRC help?

The AT consultant's support role is to assist people in selecting the best possible system for computer and environmental access and to learn how to use it. TRC consultants work as a team member with the individuals, family members, educators, clinicians, other professionals and other service providers to examine the potential benefits and options. Consultants assist individuals by providing needed training and access to many technology considerations. The support process may include ongoing consultation, access to technology library, training support, evaluation sessions and ongoing assessment. The TRC supports and encourages "best consumer practices", good planning and sharing of knowledge for the support team to achieve appropriate technology needs.

What Makes Us Special?

We provide access to a full range of services and resources.
Our consultants are experienced.
A collaborative and supportive process.
Technology Loan Programs.
An extensive preview library of educational and special needs software titles.
Many assistive technology considerations and product information.
Training opportunities for professionals.
Resource Management for a wider community need.
Best Consumer Practices and planning for appropriate technology and success.