|
Adam Krass Consulting, LLC: Adam Krass Consulting, LLC, an assistive technology consulting organization based in Rutherford, NJ, is dedicated to providing assistive technology services to children and adults with disabilities in NJ. These services include assistive technology evaluations, workshops for families, consumers and professionals, individual training and support, and organization-wide needs assessments. Adam Krass Consulting, LLC was awarded DRNJ/ATAC grants in April 2011 and April 2013, and successfully met all grant objectives.
|
|
Heightened Independence and Progress: Heightened Independence & Progress (hip) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living (CIL), incorporated in 1988. The majority of the Board of Trustees and staff are people with disabilities, ensuring consumer control. Through a staff of eleven, the Bergen County CIL provides a comprehensive array of programs and services for people with all disabilities. During the last fiscal year, 508 individuals received comprehensive services, in addition to thousands of contacts for information and referral. Some programs are specific to residents of Bergen County, while others are regional and statewide. In addition to the core services provided by all Centers for Independent Living, the CIL administers care management programs, funding for home modifications and assistive technology, a large number of support groups, and a braille transcription project which distributes textbooks across the country. For more than a decade, hip has administered a statewide program for high school students with vision loss, as well as an initiative targeting Bergen County high school students; each focuses on developing self-advocacy skills and preparing for employment and adult life. hip was a partnering organization in the DRNJ/ATAC-funded project, AT For Transition, in 2013.
|
|
Region V Council for Special Education: Region V Council for Special Education, under the leadership of Director, Maureen Kerne, is a well-recognized and respected system whose capacity includes the scope of twelve member school districts: Bergenfield, Cresskill, Dumont, Hackensack, New Milford, Oradell, Ridgefield, River Edge, River Dell, Rochelle Park, Teaneck and Tenafly. The total number of students with disabilities who were eligible for Special Education in Region V Member Districts during the 2013-2014 school year was 4,681. The number of students with disabilities in the nonpublic (secular) schools was 981. The member districts in Region V represent a wide range of economic and ethnic diversity, with Teaneck named as one of the two largest municipalities in Bergen County. In order to work with the students who are typically underserved, Region V has identified two districts and one educational program for the purposes of this grant: Teaneck, Hackensack, and Community Steps to Independence (CSI). Of Teaneck High School’s students, 12.1% are classified as having a disability, and 65% are minority and/or economically disadvantaged students. The Hackensack Public School District is comprised of six schools with a total of 5,290 students enrolled. The Hackensack School District has one of the highest classification rates in New Jersey: 72% are from minority and/or economically disadvantaged and 14% are classified as having a disability. This is exacerbated by the diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds of many first-time US citizens. It should be noted that students with disabilities comprise the second largest group in this school district to drop out of high school. To address these multi-faceted issues and compliment this project, Hackensack High School will embark on a 1:1 iPad Initiative for all Grade 9 and 10 students. CSI is a post-secondary transitional program based in Cresskill which provides workplace literacy, independent living skills and the supports needed to transition from high school to college, employment, or both for the 12 member districts of Region V. It offers a variety of experiences to students with multiple disabilities ages 18-21, maximizing their exposure to real-life environments in preparation for the transition from school to adulthood. The CSI program incorporates a core curriculum that includes occupational/vocational, personal/social, daily living, and community-based instruction. Region V was a partnering organization in the DRNJ/ATAC-funded project, AT For Transition, in 2013.
|
|
|
Adam Krass: The president of Adam Krass Consulting, LLC, has 23 years of experience in all phases of assistive technology, including extensive experience in the delivery of assistive technology services, serving as the former president of NJCART (NJ Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology), working as an adjunct professor at Kean University, and as an author. He holds a master’s degree in Applied Psychology, and is a RESNA-Certified Assistive Technology Professional.
|
|
|
Patricia Rodriguez: The Independent Living Transition Coordinator on staff at hip has a M.A. in Teaching, certified as a Teacher of Students With Disabilities, and a B.A. in Psychology. Patricia began her career in business before working in education, where she taught in urban districts for seven years developing transition plans for students with disabilities. She also worked with general educators helping them adapt curriculum materials and teaching techniques to meet the needs of students with disabilities, and collaborated with Child Study Teams developing Individualized Education Programs for students. Patricia is currently working at hip assisting young adults to clarify interests, set career goals, and plan for their future.
|
|
|
