Auburn has found a way to demonstrate new and innovative technologies to serve the community and increase diversity.
Auburn University's Center for Disability Research and Service will have its grand opening in August. The center is located in the Dawson building beside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"The center focuses on working with people in the community who have significant disabilities," said Dr. E. Davis Martin Jr., Wayne T. Smith professor and head of the Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling/School Psychology Department. "The center also gives people with or without disabilities access to employment, education, housing, transportation, health care and leisure opportunities."
The center's goal is to impact the lives of people with disabilities and the community at large, and the values of independence, productivity and inclusion are embraced.
The center is part of the Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling/School Psychology Department. The Rehabilitation Counseling Program within the department is ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
The center's affiliation with this program makes it ideal for using this as a training ground for masters and doctoral students.
The center has four distinct collaborative research and service units, and Autism/Developmental Disabilities is the first unit.
"A project underway is the iPad, which helps people perform better in social situations and working environments," Martin said.
Applications for the Apple iPad allow children with autism who are nonverbal to communicate with their families, peers and teachers.
"Stories are also included in the iPad to help students build good social skills," said Scott Renner, Coordinator of Assistive Technology for the Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling/School Psychology Department.
The Summer Autism Clinic held at Richland Elementary School demonstrated the promise of this technology.
Assistive Technology is the second unit, which is innovative in developing ideas to benefit everyone.
Renner said they have iPads, reading device scanners, which allow people who are blind or have low vision to hear information, voice recognition and environmental control units which allow people to turn things on and off by using a microphone.
SmartNav, a program by Natural Point, allows people to control a computer keyboard without using their hands.
"Assistive Technology is the great equalizer for all people with disabilities and allows them to access the American dream," Renner said. "It also allows someone who may be completely paralyzed to be able to use standard technology."
Teachers, rehabilitation and other social service professionals can gain competencies in assistive technology assessment, selection and training in the Graduate Certification program.
The center has a studio where trainings and an informational meeting will be held for the community.
Employer and Community Supports is another unit which helps people with disabilities develop social and independent living skills.
Program Evaluation is the last unit, which serves people with disabilities.
"Currently, we're doing evaluations," said Holly Brigman, coordinator of Program Evaluation. "People with disabilities are able to discuss their likes, dislikes and what should be improved on, and that's important."
Research projects are underway for the center. There will be future collaborations with the College of Education, College of Engineering and the Department of Industrial Design.
On Oct. 7-8, Auburn will host its first Alabama Assistive Technology Expo and Conference for vendors with disabilities and their loved ones to exchange and gather information on assistive technology with professionals.
Find out more about the Alabama Assistive Technology Expo and Conference and register at http://www.auburn.edu/alatec.
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