THE COMMUNICATION MENTORS’ NETWORK + + + + + + + + Supporting effective communication and fuller lives through Assistive Technology & Augmentative / Alternative Communication THE COMMUNICATION MENTORS’ NETWORK The Communication Mentors’ Network is committed to supporting all people in raising their voices, exercising choice and control, and promoting independence while always presuming competence and building local capacity. Communication Mentors are a group of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who come together through attendance in the Communication Mentors’ Course™. This Course is an almost year-long classroom and hands-on experience helping people learn many ways they can better hear “communication” all around them, assist other to also hear better, and support its growth. With formal offices in Sunbury (Northcentral PA) and Valley Forge (Souteheastern PA) and more informal groups in many other locations, the Communication Mentors’ Network is steadily growing. These offices are locations where many learning events occur, our Communication Mentors’ Lending Libraries are housed, where AAC/AT/Technology Clinics take place, and where anyone can browse to see what possibilities are available. Communication Mentors work across boundaries of agencies, counties, and funding streams to provide training and information sessions, hold various types of “Clinics” for individual exploration and assessment, work with people and their supporters over time, and provide accessibility reviews for increased independence and control. Communication Mentors have much first-hand experience in the power of combining a belief in competence, a healthy skepticism of what previous labels actually mean about a person, and thinking through what support might actually be supportive. Add to this a gradually growing knowledge-base of available technology and systems which might be used to help people more fully communicate Our mantra is “EVERYONE COMMUNICATES”! We encourage everyone to participate in our programs and activities: check out our website to find out more about us and for a current listing of events. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about any other accessibility concerns, contact either of our Communication Mentors’ offices or visit our website at www.communicationmentors.org for additional information. What we can offer . . . + + + + + + + + + + + + help people who have limited or unrecognized communication methods & their supporters to explore possible systems & strategies to be more fully expressive. suggestions of possible materials, devices, supports, adaptations, & accommodations for people in need of upgrading their current AT / AAC systems, techniques, & strategies. group & individualized training in current trends & options in AT / AAC & technology. assistance to teams in finding ways to make communication & independence a more common & natural part of the person’s life, while increasing choice & opportunities for community involvement. provide accessibility reviews & ideas for home, school, work, and leisure environments to increase everyone’s inclusion and independence! THE COMMUNICATION MENTORS’ NETWORK Our Supporters and Allies The Communication Mentors’ Network has steadily grown across PA and now also has members in NJ, NY, SC, MN, HI, Germany, and Sri Lanka! Regional networks of Communication Mentors have been officially formed in 2 specific areas of PA with more informal groups springing up in many other locations! Communication Mentors can be anyone — support staff of all types, nurses, directors, various therapists, vocational and employment staff, educators, early intervention specialists, supports coordinators, family members, people who use AT / AAC themselves, friends, concerned citizens, and more! Check out our website for a current listing of Communication Mentors and their locations! THE COMMUNICATION MENTORS’ NETWORK Supporting effective communication and fuller lives through Assistive Technology & Augmentative / Alternative Communication 119 Memorial Acres, Sunbury, PA 17801 Phone: 570.286.7694 Fax: 570.286.7697 ˜ 1220 Valley Forge Road, Unit 17 Box 206 Valley Forge, PA 19481-0206 Phone: 610.935.6627 Fax: 610.935.6497 www.communicationmentors.org (A project of Networks for Training and Development, Inc.) Email: communicationmentors@networksfortraining.org