Our social work care managers have masters degrees in Social Work and New York State licensure. They have...
Assistive Technology
As technology continues to advance, children with special needs are becoming increasingly more integrated into the world around them. Blythedale's comprehensive Assistive Technology program, one of only a few such programs in New York State, is opening doors for these children.
Why Blythedale…
With the largest cadre of pediatric-trained physical, occupational and speech therapists in New York State, Blythedale is well-suited to address the unique needs of children requiring assistive technology.
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Day Hospital
- Long Term Care
Assistive Technology expands opportunities for children with special needs to increase participation in school, build social interactions, and access their environments in a variety of specialized ways.
Blythedale’s dedicated team includes Assistive Technology experts from speech language pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Evaluations focus on identifying a child's strengths and needs to increase independence. The team collaborates with families and caregivers to develop individualized plans for integrating technology into their lives. Our multi-disciplinary team optimizes compatability and carryover to home and school.
Assistive Technology enables children to function more independently in areas where they would otherwise have difficulty, need assistance, or be unable to participate. This specialized technology is beneficial to children with a wide range of medical conditions and developmental disabilities.
We offer evaluations and training services for:
- Augmentative communication
- Computer access and adaptations
- Daily living technologies
- Environmental controls
- Positioning
- Wheelchairs and customized seating
Our Assistive Technology team also collaborates with an on-site Rehabilitation Engineer for customized solutions and prototype development. Click here to learn more.
Assistive Technology referrals can be made by physicians, school systems, families and through self-referral.
For more information about our program or to schedule an appointment, please contact Tracy French, Assistive Technology Coordinator at ATcoordinator@blythedale.org or (914) 831-2453.
Seating and Mobility Service
The Seating and Mobility Service at Blythedale Children’s Hospital provides expert evaluation, recommendations, and fit/delivery for children, teens and young adults.
Unlocking the Future
As technology continues to advance, children with special needs are becoming increasingly more integrated into the world around them. Blythedale's comprehensive Assistive Technology program, one of only a few such programs in New York State, is opening doors for children like Barbara, Ashley...
Assistive Technology Team
Assistant Director of Speech Pathology/Assistive Technology Professional
Karen Conti, PT, MA, DPT, ATP, C/NDT
Assistant Director of Physical Therapy/Assistive Technology Professional
Barbara Donleavy-Hiller, OTR/L, ATP, C/NDT
Senior Occupational Therapist/Assistive Technology Professional
Joshua's Story: Creating Ability Through Assistive Technology
Through Assistive Technology, Joshua's limitations became limitless
Eighteen-year-old Joshua has Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. For Joshua, the disease has impacted his movement and coordination, and led to weakness in his hands.
Merry Meredith
Meredith, a five-year-old with a rare form of epilepsy, doesn't let her diagnosis stand in the way of her happiness. Although she is unable to walk or talk, Blythedale's unparalleled Assistive Technology program is essential in providing her with access to communication and mobility.
Navigating Nathaniel's Needs
Nathaniel is like any other eight-year-old. He loves to watch cartoons, joke around and play on his iPad. The only difference is that Nathaniel not only uses this high-tech device for fun, but also to communicate and explore his world. When Nathaniel was born, his doting parents brought him home to...
