We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to autumn!

As many of you know, Summer 2024 was a busy one for TechACCESS of Rhode Island. Our former parent organization, HMEA, merged with Advocates making TechACCESS officially a program of Advocates. We’re thrilled to now be part of one of the region’s largest human service organizations, allowing TechACCESS to make an even bigger impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

TechACCESS will continue to provide the same services throughout the state while expanding to new possibilities.

Together, our team is excited for all that lies ahead this fall and beyond!

Check out our new logo.

We are pleased to share that Jennifer Martinous accepted the position of Executive Director of TechACCESS of Rhode Island. While Jennifer’s responsibilities will certainly expand to the strategic leadership required in this role, she will continue to fulfill her commitments as the clinical manager. This hybrid role is important to allow for continuity in our clinical operations but also assures the direct connection to our valued relationships with school administrators, families, and the wider community. This new role brings opportunities that will allow TechACCESS to enhance our operations, broaden our impact, and continue our services to the community.

Congratulations!

As a result of the merger, Joseph Robitaille was appointed to Senior Vice President of Children’s Services at Advocates. This role was created to oversee all children related services including TechACCESS. Joe has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Before joining Advocates, Joe led a range of children’s programs focusing on early intervention, home and center-based treatment, and specialized school services. His leadership experience includes budget management, quality improvement efforts, and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Joe holds a license in Applied Behavior Analysis, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has earned his MBA.

"I'm thrilled to be part of the TechACCESS team and I’m excited to continue growing our program to reach even more individuals throughout the community."

Register for Project AT

New Lending Period: Educational materials can now be borrowed for three weeks except holiday or seasonal kits which remain two week loans.

Pre-K Kits: RIMAC can now accommodate previous requests for Pre-K materials. Over the summer, we reviewed the RIELDS, curated resources and produced new items.

Check the library website for updates to our inventory. https://rimac.library.site/

AAC in the Classroom

Top Tips for Using AAC in the Classroom:

https://www.naperville203.org/cms/lib/IL01904881/Centricity/Domain/89/Top-tips-for-implementing-AAC.pdf

AAC Books to Share with Entire Class (Various Age Groups):

https://nwacs.info/blog/2022/11/back-to-school-tips-for-aac

PRC Saltillo's Back to School Tips in the Classroom

https://www.prc-saltillo.com/articles/5-back-to-school-tips?mode=view&jump=1

Communication Bill of Rights: https://nwacs.info/communication-bill-of-rights

You can find additional information and referral forms at our website.

Mention of any product, service or event in this newsletter does not constitute any endorsement or recommendation by TechACCESS.