Assistive Technology: Leading the Way to Expanded Access

For the past decade, Seven Hills Foundation has been a pioneer in embedding Assistive Technology (AT) into the culture of our service delivery, laying the groundwork necessary to become the premier provider resource in the state for best practices in AT and related technologies.  Seven Hills incorporates AT as an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injury to lead more inclusive and independent lives. Our philosophy and goal are to identify AT for self-sufficiency or to enhance the services of direct support professionals.

The dedicated Seven Hills Assistive Technology team is led by Program Director Steven Kessler and Assistive Technology Specialist Areeba Khan, M.S., RESNA. The team enhances access to assistive technologies across the foundation through evaluations, demonstrations, trainings, and participation in unique pilot programs featuring Smart Home Technologies, Virtual Reality, Employment Supports, and Professional Development AT Certifications for direct support staff. The AT Department also forges community relationships and partnerships with universities and schools, local AT Consortia, technology vendors, and state funding agencies to build the capacity of Seven Hills to share and implement best practices. Most recently, Seven Hills became a qualified provider of Assistive Technology through the new Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Technology Forward initiative. As a provider, Seven Hills can accept referrals for AT services to any individual living in Massachusetts who receives DDS funding even if they do not participate in a Seven Hills-funded program. Additionally, Seven Hills has partnered with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) to provide advanced AT trainings to over 125 direct support staff and AT evaluations and equipment as part of a new customized employment program.