Assistive Technology (AT) is embedded in our approach to student success. The AT Program has three components, offering services to children and their families in each P.G. Chambers School program and in the community. Services include everyday use of AT, specialty Clinics, and AT/ Augmentative Assistive Communication (AAC) Evaluations.

Assistive Technology (AT) is essential for students with complex medical, educational, motor and behavioral needs that challenge our students with how they move, access educational materials, focus and ultimately learn. We highly value team collaboration. Our staff and AT professionals use the ATEAM Approach (Assistive Technology: Linking Education, Access and Mobility) assessing specific individual student abilities, to create, design and recommend different technology solutions for students. AT improves access to the curriculum and creates greater opportunities to fully participate in the classroom and school environment.

Children and their families have access to weekly clinics held on-site at P.G. Chambers School. They are supported by staff with advanced assistive technology expertise and product specialists, vendors or experts in each clinic area. The clinics are open to all P.G. Chambers School students. Children in Early Intervention may use clinic services after a thorough assessment and referral by the New Jersey Early Intervention System. These clinics are also open to school districts and families on an outpatient basis for a fee.

The Orthotic Clinic offers assessments that include:

• Gait analysis,
• Recommendations for appropriate orthoses (spine and lower extremities) that maximize position and function,
• Recommendations for appropriate footwear, and
• Orthotists to assist families with purchasing orthotics.

The Modification and Fabrication Clinic offers services that include:

• Assessment of student equipment to determine modifications needed for optimal posture, positioning to improve function and participation in school,
• Creation, design, fabrication and modification of recommended solutions and technologies that support student needs, and
• Collaboration with other clinics to problem-solve solutions for best access and function.

• problem solving areas of a student concern,
• providing recommendations,
• trialing solutions, and
• fabricating suggested AT for best results.

Clinic goals are to improve learning outcomes by increasing motivation, engagement, participation, access, mobility and communication, using AT adaptations and tools. The Access to Education clinic is specifically provided for students who attend PG Chambers School.

Through our Community Service Program, we provide school districts with comprehensive, high-quality Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluations for students. Our team of experienced professionals, including occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and educators are certified specialists in AT and AAC, bringing expertise in the latest research, best practices, and cutting-edge technology. We assign two evaluators based on the unique needs of the student, ensuring a personalized and collaborative approach.

We conduct thorough, multi-faceted evaluations to assess posture and positioning, access to the curriculum and school environment and receptive/expressive communication abilities. Our team takes a holistic, multi-modal communication approach, considering both spoken language and augmentative/alternative methods to ensure effective communication. The evaluation aims to identify specific needs and provide recommendations that enhance student engagement, participation, and focus in the classroom. After the evaluation, our team recommends the most suitable communication methods and tools for the student, including low-tech, mid-tech, or high-tech AAC devices (e.g., iPads, communication boards, eye-gaze systems), positioning aids and equipment, modifications to the classroom environment, intervention strategies and device usage techniques. We provide practical support by offering follow-up consultations, staff training, and parent education to ensure successful implementation and long-term progress. In addition, we offer professional development opportunities and in-service training for school district staff.

When a student faces challenges with verbal communication, AAC provides critical support for participation in daily activities and social interaction. Our team of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists with advanced certifications in AT, conduct a comprehensive AAC assessment. This includes exploring a variety of communication options, such as low-tech solutions (e.g., sign language, communication boards), mid-tech options (e.g., recordable devices, paper-based systems) and high-tech solutions (e.g., eye-gaze systems, switch-access devices, iPads). With AAC, we aim to empower students to engage confidently in their school day and interact with peers, fostering both academic success and social inclusion