The Oregon Technology Access Program's goals include:
- Provide direct training followed by on-site technical assistance to teachers, families and related services providers.
- Obtain, compile and disseminate information about state, regional and national resources available to children with disabilities in Oregon.
- Help children, parents and school personnel who need assistance with assistive technology resources to contact existing agencies, facilities, private companies and other resources.
- Maintain a system to loan assistive technology devices, special software and adaptive equipment for trial use by children with disabilities.
OTAP can provide the following services:
Training and Technical Assistance
OTAP offers workshops in all parts of Oregon. Some training activities are developed based on needs identified through our yearly needs assessment. These workshops are offered on a state-wide basis. Other workshops are offered when a particular district or group makes a specific request. Workshop participants may receive on-site technical assistance to help them solidify and apply their new technology skills. Contact Shar Powell or Nancy Jo Vogel for additional information.
Information Dissemination
The OTAP staff may be able to answer specific questions regarding equipment selection, use, or funding sources. OTAP's written manuals and technical assistance papers regarding specific assistive technology topics are distributed through this web site and through the mail.
Equipment and Software Loans
The Oregon Technology Access Program has a library of assistive technology equipment and software which can be loaned to schools and families for evaluation for use by a specific child. The loans are made on a short term basis (usually one month). To see a listing of the items included in the loan catalog, click on the Loan Library Quick Link located at the top left of this page.
Referral
A wide range of services are available to children with disabilities and their families in Oregon. OTAP helps link people looking for help with assistive technology to those resources. To obtain help with specific resource questions, click the AT Links drop-down menu. If you have specific AT Policy or Procedural questions contact Nancy Jo Vogel at 541-957-4808 or [email protected] . If you have specific AT device questions contact Shar Powell at 541-440-4793 or [email protected].