Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology South Florida Regional Demonstration Center

FL-Mailman Center for Child Development, UCEDD/LEND
Program Type	LEND,UCEDD	Fiscal Year	2020
Contact	Michelle Schladant, Ph.D.
Email	[email protected]
Phone	305-243-4466
Project Description
The Mailman Center for Child Development (MCCD) located at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine will establish the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)'s South Florida Regional Demonstration Center (SFRDC), a portal to increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technologies for individuals with disabilities and their families. This will be accomplished by providing the following services: (1) public awareness through information and referral, (2) education and training, (3) outreach and technical assistance, (4) device demonstrations and loans, (5) and a reutilization and refurbishment program. MCCD will serve as the main center with satellite sites and demonstration labs within the South Florida region to ensure accessible assistive technology (AT) information and resources in the areas of education, employment, community living, and telecommunications. Through strong community partnerships and in collaboration with other community agencies, the FAAST SFRDC will connect individuals with disabilities and their families living in South Florida to local AT resources, supports and services they need. The FAAST SFRDC will utilize innovative technology and cost-efficient resource sharing to bridge the wide geographic gaps and systemic barriers confronting individuals with disabilities and their families many of whom are from unrepresented and underrepresented groups living in South Florida. Key aspects of our integrated network system will include the use of an online AAC support center, online training modules, an accessible web page with multiple informational and service links, e-mail, and list-serves. FAAST SFRDC staff and collaborating community partners who are knowledgeable of AT equipment, services and population served will conduct on-going and extensive education and outreach to individuals with disabilities across the lifespan living in South Florida. All activities of the FAAST SFRDC will be guided by a project advisory council, composed of individuals with disabilities, family members, and community agencies with expertise in providing AT services and technology.