About Us
Assistive Technology In Action
The Assistive Technology Training Center (ATECH) exists to serve human service agencies in CT and beyond that support people with barriers to independence.
We offer member agencies and other organizations delivering services to people facing barriers to independent living access to experts in the field of assistive technology. Periodic seminars and training programs are held to educate and train staff in the application and use of the latest software programs and devices for overcoming barriers and increasing independence.
ATECH is a hub of knowledge and expertise for staff training in the use and application of technology to reduce barriers and increase the independence of individuals with intellectual and developmental, physical, and cognitive disabilities.
ATECH provides a showroom with equipment, devices, and software. These items can be handled and taken out on loan to assess efficacy in real-world situations.
ATECH began in 2017 as an initiative of MidState Arc, an organization serving individuals with barriers to independent living for over 65 years, Futures Inc., an innovative agency that develops and implements customized service plans for individuals with disabilities and their families, and The New England Society of Innovation and Technology (NESIT), a workshop where skilled designers and craftspeople create solutions to specific challenges when existing devices do not meet individual needs.
See Our Member Directory
Meet The Leadership Team!
Our dedicated and caring assistive technology and independent living specialists are here to help. Contact us today to get started on your journey to independence.
Pamela Fields
Founder/CEO
Pamela Fields is a leader in the field of assistive technology for independence, especially in devising new approaches to independence as it relates to people with intellectual disabilities (IDD). Her pioneering efforts are grounded in a 40-year career in leading agencies that provide services for people with IDD and other complex disabilities and medical needs.
With an undergraduate degree in Human Services and a MBA with a concentration in non-profits, Pam has the foundation and the vision needed to move the field of assistive technology forward in new and exciting ways. As a passionate advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their services, Pam founded the Assistive Technology Training Center of Connecticut to assure service providers have a place to gain knowledge and build capacity in cutting edge assistive technologies and families can benefit from best practices in how to support their loved ones with disabilities.
Pam envisions a world where each person can be as independent as possible, fully connected to and autonomous in their communities, regardless of their barrier issues.
203-514-3047
Amy Rubin Mindell
Director of Community Outreach & Assistive Technology
Following SCSU, Amy spent the next decade at CAST, Inc. developing innovative assistive technology solutions for students and adults with disabilities and helped create the Universal Design for Learning principles that support all people. Amy brings her passion about assistive technology, access and independence, along with her extensive experience in assistive technology assessments and professional development to the operations of the ATECH Center.
Amy has presented at national assistive technology and educational technology conferences on innovative uses of assistive technology to support learners with a wide range of disabilities as they strive to have full access to education, employment, and independent living.
203-514-3047
Marisol De Jesus
Assistive Technology Coordinator
Marisol has extensive expertise in using assistive technology to allow individuals with disabilities to live and flourish independently at home, at work, and in the community. Her background as a direct support professional with a desire to care for, understand, and help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities began with personal experience in her own family.
Marisol’s direct care experience coupled with her incredible technical skills in the use of assistive and smart home technologies allows her to conduct assistive technology evaluations for independence with care and skill. In addition to managing ATECH’s lending library, Marisol trains provider agency staff, other professionals, family members, and individuals with disabilities so that all people can flourish and obtain new skills through the freedom of technology.
marisol@assistivetechtraining.org
203-514-3047
A note on our fundraising/membership: ATECH, together with our parent organization, Midstate ARC, are mission driven. Any funds received via our fundraising campaigns or membership drives, or any funds received from fees for services, are routed back into our organization’s budget to support our mission. For a detailed accounting of Midstate ARC‘s 501(c)(3) financials, you may access the public posting of our IRS form 990.
The Journey to Independence Starts with a Comprehensive Assessment
Each ATECH assessment explores multiple dimensions of independence including:
Daily Living:
These include supports for self-feeding, dressing, grooming, bathing, medication compliance and other activities of daily living. Memory prompt apps, visual schedules, and auditory reminders can help keep people on track.
Recreation:
A wide range of electronic devices and online applications make for a richer, fuller life. So does access to events in the community made possible by assistive technologies.
Hearing, Speech, Vision:
An evolving collection of technologies are enhancing the ability of people with disabilities to connect and stay connected with others. After all, it’s social connection that brings meaning to everyone’s lives.
Mobility:
When navigating in the home or traveling to work, school, shopping or in the community, an integrated assessment will identify the blend of solutions that is right for each individual — from ramps and motorized mobility to food delivery and ride apps.
Safety & Security:
Respecting privacy and alone-time when wanted, smart home monitoring solutions provide safety and security while providing caregiver respite and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does my agency or organization become a member of The Assistive Technology Training Center of Connecticut?
To join The Assistive Technology Training Center of Connecticut as a member, please contact Pam Fields at pfields@midstatearc.org or Amy Rubin Mindell at arubinmindell@midstatearc.org to discuss our membership options. We look forward to having you join with us in helping to create enhanced independence for people with a wide range of disabilities.
How do I schedule an Assistive Technology Assessment?
To schedule an assistive technology assessment, please contact Marisol De Jesus, Assistive Technology Coordinator at mdejesus@midtstaearc.org. Marisol will guide you through the intake and assessment process, and answer any of your questions.
How do Assistive Technology Assessments get funded?
Assistive Technology Assessments are funded in a variety of ways; through private pay, a state agency or a school system. When you call to schedule an assessment we can discuss your payment options based on your specific situation.
How does one access The Assistive Technology Training Center of Connecticut’s Lending Library?
The Assistive Technology Training Center of Connecticut has a large array of assistive technology tools and devices in its lending library. Lending library access and participation is only available to our members. Uniquely designed to meet the needs of our members, the lending library operates much differently than other lending libraries, we strive to acquire new and cutting-edge technologies as requested by our member organizations and through our one-of-a-kind member research labs. Once a membership application is complete, members will receive access to the lending library, either through on-site visits to the center or online.