Grant Funded Projects

Endowment for Health

ATECH Services was awarded a grant from the Endowment for Health in October of 2001. The purpose of this grant was to increase access to assistive technology solutions through the development of a self-sustaining equipment loan program. This project also provides training in local communities for service providers, family members, paraprofessionals, and consumers on how to effectively use a particular solution, fabricate a solution, or basic maintenance and repair. For more information on the services available through our Endowment for Health Project, contact Dr. Therese Willkomm at ATECH Services, 603.226.2900.

Technology Exploration

ATECH Services has been providing technology explorations as a part of the technology related assistance act of 1998 and now the new act of 2004. Technology exploration enables individuals to try out various assistive technology solutions to assist in determining the most appropriate solution for an individual. The technologies available range from solutions for home, school, work or play. For more information on available technologies or to set up an appointment for an exploration, contact Dale Sandy or Leo Benoit at 603.226.2900.

Refurbished Equipment Marketplace

ATECH Services' Refurbished Equipment Marketplace (REM) is funded by the technology related assistance act of 1998 and the new act of 2004. The REM provides quality refurbished assistive technology solutions at affordable prices. The REM also accepts donated assistive technology solutions and equipment that can be refurbished and redistributed .

Assistive Technology Training

ATECH Services provides over 100 assistive technology training and workshops each year. Assistive technology workshops are provided through a grant from the technology related assistance act of 1998 and the new act of 2004.

AT and the Workplace

ATECH Services is currently the recipient of several grants related to workplace accommodations. These grants include the 2004 Medicaid Infrastructure Grant; the Southern New Hampshire University 2004 Medicaid Infrastructure Grant; and the NH Developmental Disabilities Council Transition Grant. Services provided through these grants include assistive technology training, technical assistance, resource development, and training material development.

Accessible Information Technology

ATECH Services has received a grant from the New England ADA and Accessible IT Center to provide technical assistance and training in the area of information technology for elementary, secondary, and post secondary educational institutions. The purpose of this project is to assist educators in providing accessible information in the classroom for students with disabilities. For more information on this grant, call Dale Sandy, 603.226.2900.

AT Solutions in Minutes

This project includes the development of a book, tool kit, and video on how to construct assistive technology solutions in minutes.ATECH Services has been fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Gibney Family Foundation, the Independent Living Research Utilization Program of the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research; Granite State Independent Living; The NH Developmental Disabilities Council; The Institute on Disabilities at the University of New Hampshire; and The University of New Hampshire Technology Partnership Project to fund the development of a book titled Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes - Make a Difference Today. This publication contains over 600 color photographs of assistive technology solutions that can be constructed in 5 minutes or less. The purpose of this project is to raise funds for assistive technology solutions and device training for New Hampshire residents affected by disabilities. For more information on how to purchase these products click on the Products and Purchases on our website.

NH Vision and Hearing Network

The NH Vision/Hearing Network is coordinated by ATECH Services and funded by the NH Department of Education and federal IDEA funds to support the special educational needs of students with vision and/or hearing disabilities.

It is an affiliation of a number of agencies and individuals with extensive background and experience in working students with hearing impairments, vision impairments and deafblindness. The members of this highly skilled network are available to provide relevant evaluations, on-going technical assistance and training to enhance the team's ability to provide support to students. The Network is also able to assist schools in obtaining large print and Braille media for use by students, and has several FM systems available for loan to students. The extensive library of resources at the NH Vision/Hearing Network office in Concord also can provide instructional tools and materials to teachers.

Why Contact NH Vision/Hearing Network?

Who Is Eligible for Services?

New Hampshire students who have a special education code of deafness, hearing impairment, vision impairment or deafblindness, or other special education codes and medical documentation of a hearing or vision loss are eligible for grant funded services and supports through the NH Vision/Hearing Network.

Are there services available to students with a hearing or vision loss who have a 504 plan?

Many of the services offered to students with special education services are also available to students with a 504 plan. ALL services provided to these students must be paid for by the district, as the contract with the NH DOE must be used to serve special education students. However, schools are welcome to purchase consultation services or arrange for an assistive technology evaluation from the Network as the need arises. Unfortunately, the network is not able to loan out its equipment or materials to these students, as these resources were purchased with special education funds. The network is happy to assist schools in locating the equipment and materials they need and arranging for purchase of this equipment or materials.

How Does a School Sign Up?

When a school or educational team determines that a student could benefit from the services provided by NH Vision/Hearing Network, a Request for Services form is completed that provides information about the student, the school and provides a checklist to indicate the types of services the school is requesting. This form is available at the NH Vision/Hearing Network website or by calling us at 226-2900.

What is the Cost to the School for this service?

Through a contract from the NH Department of Education, the NHVHN is supported to provide services to schools at no cost to the district. A combination of state funds and discretionary special education resources are provided to the network to provide services to students with vision or hearing loss and their educational teams. For school teams who register for services on behalf of a child with Deafness, Deafblindness, Hearing Impairments and/or Vision Impairments, the following services will be available at no cost to the district, upon request:

Are there additional services that can be purchased if students need more?

Fees for the 2004 - 2005 School Year:
2 technical assistance/training visits$ 300.00
6 technical assistance/training visits$ 900.00
10 technical assistance/training visits$1250.00
18 technical assistance/training visits$2200.00

If there is a need, school districts can purchase additional training, consultation and support from the NH Vision/Hearing Network providers. NOTE: This fee structure is based on technical assistance visits of an average of one hour each. Significantly longer visits may be counted as two or more visits. There is a minimum one hour charge for each on-site visit. Fees include travel time, mileage, report writing and materials.