Elevating Access to Assistive Technology
By Stephanie Pizza, Director, Center for Assistive Technology Training
Established in 2019, the Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT) program began providing services and supports to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, educational professionals, students, and families across the Southeastern United States. Over the last five years, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) has continued to impart leadership through fulfilling the mission of the program, and directly assisting with and providing oversight for national expansion.
Two additional programs have been created: CATT Southwest based in Phoenix, Arizona, at Foundation for Blind Children and CATT Pacific Northwest in Vancouver, Washington, at Washington State School for the Blind. In collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), CATT’s federally funded partner, the capacity to elevate access to assistive technology training and devices now spans 22 states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii) and five U.S. territories (Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa).
As of March 2024, CATT has collectively served over 2,500 individuals across the nation and provided access to more than 1,000 assistive technology devices to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and educational professionals. Access to this specialized equipment increases awareness and knowledge, skill set, and the capacity for teachers and staff to better support students with vision differences comprehensively. In turn, student outcomes in the educational setting are positively impacted and acquired skills can be generalized into the home and community settings.
“Assistive technology is an essential component to the education of children and students. Whether low tech or high tech, the implementation and successful utilization of assistive technology establishes a means of access; access to math, science, literacy, interaction with peers and adults, gainful employment, and most importantly, independence," said Stephanie Pizza, Director, CATT.
CATT provides training on and supports a variety of Braille notetakers, embossers, Braille teaching tools, coding/STEM products, electronic magnifiers, screen readers, and other equipment to support visual skills and access. For more information, visit www.aidb.org/catt or email catt@aidb.org.