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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to CATIES?
- What is an assistive technology evaluation and who should request one?
- How do I schedule an evaluation?
- Who should contact CATIES?
- Do you do augmentative communication evaluations?
- Where are evaluations conducted?
- Who performs the evaluations?
- What does a typical evaluation entail?
- What materials are needed for an evaluation?
- Why do I have to fill out intake forms?
- What is the age range for evaluations?
- What kinds of workshops do you do?
- What is the difference between a hands-on workshop and a presentation?
- Does CATIES conduct in-service trainings?
- Are you a Registered New Jersey Professional Development Provider?
- Do you hold workshops in the summer months?
- What are the fees for CATIES services?
How do I get to CATIES?
CATIES is located at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ (north of Trenton). It is only minutes from Exit 4 on I295/95:
What is an assistive technology evaluation and who should request one?
An assistive technology evaluation is conducted on children with
disabilities to determine which technology tools will help a child
access the curriculum and succeed in school.
Assistive technology evaluations may be recommended or requested by:
- Educational administrators
- Child Study Team personnel
- P-12 teachers
- Case managers
- Physical therapists, occupational therapists & speech
language pathologists - Parents of students with disabilities
- Individuals with disabilities
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How do I schedule an evaluation?
To schedule an evaluation, please submit an Assistive
Technology Request Form or Augmentative Communication Request Form. A CATIES staff member will review your
request and contact you to finalize plans, discuss the fee schedule
and review workshop guidelines.
Who should contact CATIES?
- Educational administrators
- Child Study Team personnel
- P-12 teachers
- Case managers
- Physical therapists, occupational therapists & speech
language pathologists - Parents of students with disabilities
- Individuals with disabilities
Do you conduct augmentative communication evaluations?
Yes, as of October 2005, CATIES now offers augmentative communication evaluations. AugComm evaluations are conducted by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. To schedule an evaluation, please submit an . A CATIES staff member will review your request and contact you to finalize plans, discuss the fee schedule and review workshop guidelines.
Where are
evaluations conducted?
Most evaluations are conducted at The College of New Jersey. CATIES has a large inventory of assistive technology/augmentative communication devices and software. Evaluating the student at our facility enables the evaluator to take advantage of the wide-range of available resources. However, in unique situations, it may be necessary to conduct the evaluation at the student’s school or home. Location will be determined on an individual basis.
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Who performs the evaluations?
- Assistive technology evaluations are conducted by an educator/assistive technology specialist.
- Augmentative communication evaluations are conducted by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist
What does a typical evaluation entail?
An evaluation includes:
- A review of the student’s educational history as provided by parents, teachers, therapists and school district personnel
- Individualized evaluation by an educator/assistive technology specialist or speech-language pathologist
- Written report with recommendations for assistive technology implementation
What materials are needed for an evaluation?
An evaluation is an involved process that requires review of a student’s background. In order to maximize the benefits of an evaluation, CATIES requests that those individuals who frequently interact with the student complete intake forms. These forms provide valuable information to assist the evaluator in making appropriate and useful recommendations. These forms can be downloaded online: Assistive Technology Evaluation Intake Forms.
Why do I have to fill out intake
forms?
An evaluation is an involved process that requires review of a student’s background. In order to maximize the benefits of an evaluation, CATIES requests that those individuals who frequently interact with the student complete intake forms. These forms provide valuable information to assist the evaluator in making appropriate and useful recommendations.
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What is the age range for
evaluations?
CATIES conduct assistive technology evaluations for students ages pre-K to 12th grade and for adults. For students in post-secondary education, please contact the Adaptive Technology Center for NJ Colleges.
What kinds of workshops do
you do?
CATIES' staff conducts both hands-on and presentation workshops. A list of sample workshop topics is available on our website. You may also contact CATIES with a specific topic request using our Workshop Request Form.
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What is the difference
between a hands-on workshop and a presentation?
In a hands-on workshop, participants have the opportunity to actively interact with the showcased product, most often a software program or hardware device. They are guided step-by-step through its features and experience the product firsthand. Due to the involved nature of a hands-on workshop, it is limited to 20 participants. Examples of hands-on workshop topics are:
- Accessing the General Curriculum: Reading Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Getting Organized & Demonstrating Their Understanding: Writing Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Integrating Computers into the Curriculum Access to Computers: Options for Students with Physical Disabilities
- Creating Communication Boards & Picture Schedules for Students with Autism
- Creating and Using WebQuests in the Classroom
- Using Inspiration in the Classroom
Presentations follow a lecture/demo format in which the presenter demonstrates a technology application on one computer with a projection system. In a presentation, participants are not actively interacting with a product. Presentation size is limited only by available space. Examples of presentation topics are:
- Effective Inclusive Education Practices
- Differentiated Curriculum & Instruction
- Positive Behavior Supports
- Developing Social Skills & Relationships
- Students with Complex Educational Needs
- Integrated Therapies & Support Services
- Integrating Computers into the Curriculum
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Does CATIES conduct in-service
trainings?
Yes, CATIES is a Registered New Jersey Professional Development Provider. Please review the list of possible workshop topics, or contact CATIES directly with a specific request using the Workshop Request Form.
Are you a Registered New Jersey Professional Development Provider?
Yes. CATIES is recognized by the State of New Jersey to provide continuing education hours.
Do you hold workshops in the summer
months?
Yes. Please complete a Workshop Request Form to schedule a summer workshop.
What are the fees for CATIES services?
Fees vary depending upon the service provided and location. Please contact CATIES at (609) 771-3016 for fee information specific to your needs.
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