The Office of Education’s (OOE) Technology for Life and Learning Center (TLLC) makes assistive technology services available to all students served by the OOE's educational programming.  Services are specifically geared towards students with disabilities that affect communication, learning, academic achievement, and access to the environment. Services can be provided at OOE and in the referred student’s school.

The TLLC provides two distinct programs:  Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology Educational Achievement Model (ATEAM).  Both provide diagnostic and intervention services to enable students to become proficient users of assistive technology tools/strategies, thereby increasing their function in identified areas.

The AAC team works in consultation with staff to determine student need.  Specifically, the TLLC will consult with program staff to create a plan for each student with regard to communication.

The ATEAM provides assistive technology services to ensure that students with disabilities, regardless of type or severity, have access to curriculum.  The ATEAM will consult with educational program staff to ensure students are appropriately considered for assistive technology.

Once a student is identified by the AAC Team or ATEAM, the process includes:

• evaluation of students’ needs and skills;
• evaluation of use of assistive technology devices/strategies related to students’ needs and skills in the areas of communication, access, and/or learning;
• development of a program to enhance communication and/or academic achievement/learning;
• student and staff training regarding the operation and integration of technology and strategies into classroom activities;
• a trial period with recommended technology; and
• ongoing technical assistance.

Both the AAC Team and the ATEAM provide general services to DCF educational programs regarding technology related to communication, access to learning, and/or other areas as requested.   Services may include:

• assisting staff in the process of assistive technology decision-making during the IEP process;
• recommendations for technology and tools to be used for classroom instruction;
• system operation and integration training related to technology used for classroom instruction; and 
• recommendations for school-based technology purchases.

In partnership with the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, as supported by the US Department of Education State Improvement Grant, NJ DCF’s Office of Education will facilitate the provision of assistive technology services to New Jersey students in compliance with IDEA 2004 and the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-3.7 by conducting a training series on the Integration of Assistive Technology into the Educational Process.

This training series is offered to district-based teams and Office of Education staff and provides participants with valuable knowledge about assistive technology that can be applied to their work with students with disabilities. All NJ school districts have an opportunity to participate in the training through July 2007.  Registration announcements are issued to district Superintendents and Directors of Special Services.  Technical assistance is offered to all training series participants post training.

For additional information about the TLLC, contact us at:
Telephone:  609-588-7911
Fax:  609-588-7237
Email:
rosemarie.dimarco-fitzpatrick@dcf.state.nj.us
karen.guilmartin@dcf.state.nj.us
maryanne.mazanec@dcf.state.nj.us
bud.rizer@dcf.state.nj.us
norman.rothstein@dcf.state.nj.us