DIFFERENTLY-ABLED GET WIRED
By Joan Trudell, SBA

Acushnet-based A.S.S.E.T.S., Inc. (Assistive School System Educational Technology Services Inc.) was founded in 2001 by parents and friends concerned about the lack of assistive technology services available locally.

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that helps make life easier for a person who has a disability, chronic illness, or who is elderly. For the differently-abled, this assistance can provide quality and equality in the classroom and in the community.
There are a variety of different reasons people use assistive technology. Such technology can benefit those with acquired speech loss due to Motor Neuron Disease (ALS), Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's chorea or congenital speech loss due to Cerebral Palsy. It also is used to adapt materials for people with learning disabilities, low-vision or blindness as well as those with physical disabilities. Some of the benefits of assistive technology include greater control over one's life by allowing for increased participation in and contributions to activities within the home, school, community, and work environments. Improved interaction with others also improves self-esteem.

Jean K. Des Roches, the founder and Executive Director of ASSETS, has more than fifteen years of experience in the technology field including employment by large corporations such as AT&T., and holds an industry certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). In addition to her technical skills, she is experienced in project management and has personal experience with issues that face the differently-abled population. As a parent of a child with special needs, she is well-trained in many aspects of special education.

After creating a very basic business plan, and conducting a search for organizations that help the formation of small businesses, Des Roches came to the Boston Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a U.S. Small Business Administration resource partner and a vision for ASSETS. She credits SCORE with transforming the vision into a reality.

“The team of SCORE volunteers I worked with provided guidance and support every step of the way. Marty Kress, Bob Woods, Jack Calechman and Lew Cohen helped me with strategy, marketing, financial, legal and non-profit issues. There is almost an unlimited number of ways in which SCORE helped us achieve our goals. The fact that there are so many experienced and talented people willing and waiting to help astounds me. I am convinced that our new organization would not have made such tremendous progress in the past year without SCORE.”

ASSETS’ volunteer Board of Directors was convened over a year ago and has overseen amazing results for their clients who range in age from 12 to 60.

“Research has revealed that there is a substantial need for a local resource to provide the types of services we offer such as the installation and customization of hardware and software. Instruction for students, parents, and caregivers on the proper usage of these technologies has provided some amazing rewards for our clients,” states Des Roches.

“The first young man we served achieved dramatic results after his equipment was put into place. Before the utilization of technology, this non-verbal 12-year old student was, in effect, segregated from classmates and curriculum. Within one month he was using his augmentative communication device to communicate with teacher and classmates. He was especially pleased, for the first time, to successfully order his own food at a fast food restaurant! Perhaps more importantly, he was able to finally gain access to the general curriculum and participate in classroom activities.”

Additionally, “We have just begun working with an older person who had been using a communication device in the recent past but was forced to give it up. The technician who originally programmed the device was no longer available to provide customization and training. “Can you imagine someone literally taking your voice away from you for two years before returning it?”, asked Des Roches.

As far as providing direct services, ASSETS is working to create training and educational programs for educators and others. This effort will enable ASSETS to build competency over time and expand resources in this area.

For more information on ASSETS, please visit their website at www.assets-inc.org or call Jean K. Des Roches at 508-998-1756. To find the SCORE location nearest you, visit www.score.org. To obtain more information about SBA call 617-565-5572 or visit www.sba.gov.