National Training & Demonstration Initiatives
Since 1999, staff of the Global Institute have worked collaboratively with
teachers, parents and specialists in the Henry Viscardi
School, Kornreich Technology Center and other affiliates to develop various
types of training programs in a variety of areas (e.g. assistive technology, complementary
practices, inclusion, transition). These efforts have resulted in e-lectures,
CD-ROMS, and collaborative projects with the Henry Viscardi School and other local
school districts and university training programs.
Click here to find out more about these Projects.
Institute on Complementary Practices (ICP)
This is a broad based initiative supported by Abilities!, Albertson, NY which explores
the efficacy of developing complementary educational / therapeutic practices involving
children with severe physical disabilities. The
ICP was formally established in September, 2001 within the
Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities (O & O)
at Teachers College, Columbia University. It is viewed as a vehicle for research,
evaluation and dissemination of work being done in the areas of complementary and
alternative practices for children primarily with physical or motor disorders. Current
interest involves documentation of work done in conductive education.
Visit the Teachers College website or Andrew Sutton e-lecture for more information.
Abilities! International Initiatives
Ireland Teachers Institute — This was a two-week (July 17-28, ‘06) educational Institute sponsored by Abilities! in collaboration with the OOPD at Teachers College (TC), Columbia University. Teachers, therapists and administrators from Belfast and Dublin joined with faculty, staff, and students in sharing “best practices” in the areas of AT, instructional technology, and school and community transition — with particular emphasis on serving individuals with severe physical disabilities.
Global Institute staff and members of the Smeal Learning Center team helped support in July, 2002 the Institute on Special Needs for Greek & Turkish Cypriot Educators sponsored by the Center for Opportunities & Outcomes for People with Disabilities at Teachers College.
Abilities! continues to be the stopping point for many
international professionals while traveling in the greater New York City area, with
some visits resulting in formal Projects with collaborating organizations. In August,
2001, the Global Institute hosted Ms. Kazumi Kanemura of Japan as a part of her
scholarship from the Duskin Study Abroad Program for the Disabled.
Check the e-lectures for more details on these activities.