Assistive Technology Education Center (ATEC)

The Academy Assistive Technology Education Center (ATEC) was created 18 months ago to provide Assistive Technology service for our students with disabilities as well as to become a Assistive Technology educational resource center for the community we serve.  In August of 2007, the Academy was awarded one of 12 grants nationwide from AT&T CTC/Net as part of their “Connections for All” (C4ALL) Program.   The $25,000 grant was provided to help us convert our curriculum into multiple accessible formats, plan and subsequently design a community AT Education effort, and to purchase specific AT software that we could utilize to improve reading and writing skills in students with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disabilities or difficulties.   The AT Center is utilized for various community programs including Ticket-To-Work Employment Counseling, Summer Vocational/Work Experience Programs for youth with learning difficulties/disabilities, National Work Readiness Testing Services, and support services for students with special needs who are participating in Academy NYSED approved vocational training.  It is not required for a person with a disability to attend any of The Academy’s academic programs to receive our Assistive Technology services.

The mission of The Academy’s ATEC is to provide the necessary services and support that will enable persons with disabilities to properly use assistive technology. We feel that it is essential for all users of assistive technology to have a solid understanding of what the technology can do to improve their lives and the lives of others. The Academy’s Assistive Technology professionals conduct detailed technical assessments to ensure that the individual is fitted with the correct assistive technology. When working directly with consumers, our services are designed to show them how to properly use assistive technology at home, at school, and at work.

The ATEC provides a variety of services designed to help people with disabilities. In addition, we provide services to help support agencies and educational institutions that support people with disabilities. Services are usually provided at our facility located at 1349 South Avenue in Rochester, NY. However, we can also provide services to people who need assistance at home and at work. Our fees for services are very competitive. The following is a list of services we can provide:

• Assistive Technology Evaluations
• Employment Services
• Educational Services