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Power and Potential of National Networks

Power and Potential of National Networks. by Mary Lester Executive Director Alliance for Technology Access Atlanta, GA May 9, 2006. ATA is …. The national network of grassroots organizations companies individuals enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through technology.

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Power and Potential of National Networks

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  1. Power and Potential of National Networks by Mary Lester Executive Director Alliance for Technology Access Atlanta, GA May 9, 2006

  2. ATA is … • The national network of • grassroots organizations • companies • individuals enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through technology. Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  3. Mission Increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  4. Evolution • From Personal Network • To Local Community network • To National Community Network Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  5. The Roots • A family - the Brands - with … • a problem to solve • a school • a techie guy in a garage Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  6. Then came … • More - families, consumers, professionals • Steering Committee • Free classroom • 501(c)(3) • The first grassroots AT Center ….. CforAT (DCCG) Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  7. ATA Assistive Technology Centers • Assistive technology consultation • Training • Lending Libraries • Family Advocacy • Information and Resources Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  8. ATA Assistive Technology Centers • The first grassroots accessible technology centers • Consumer-driven • Family friendly • Low or no cost • All disabilities; All ages • All platforms • Consumer / professional collaboration Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  9. In the meantime… • Apple Computer opens - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  10. Essentials VISIONARIES: Alan Brightman & Jackie Brand VISION: Community-based AT center in every state COMPELLING NEED: for information and tools Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  11. RESOURCES Apple’s K-12 Marketing Budget: • Apple staff - 4 + Jackie • Travel funds • Telecom network - AppleLink • Apple’s name • PR machinery • Equipment Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  12. Matching Needs • Apple • The Center • Communities nationwide • Vendors Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  13. ATA Announced • April 1987 • 11 Charter ATA Centers • 40 Vendors Project of Apple • February 1989 • ATA National office • 501(c)(3) Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  14. Starter Kit • Equipment • Listserv • Trainer Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  15. Critical for Success Members Share … • Mission • Experience • Needs Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  16. Critical for Success • Communications - listserv • Networking - annual meeting • Shared Leadership: Planning Team • Engagement • Expectation of participation Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  17. Roles & Benefits What role is played and who benefits? National Office AT Centers Vendors Associates Consumers Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  18. Learning & Teaching • Everyone has something to learn and something to teach Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  19. Sense of community Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  20. Joint Efforts • ATA Book • Demonstration projects • Collaborative projects Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  21. For continued success • Good communications network • Networking opportunities - events • Member Benefits • Match needs • Strong engaged members Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  22. For continued success • Strong leadership - headquarters • Financial resources • Willingness & ability to change • Shared vision • High profile Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  23. Lessons Learned • IMPORTANCE of… • Being in touch with needs • Continuous communication • Inclusive not exclusive • Branding & marketing • Measuring impact Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  24. Recommendations • Avoid re-invention of wheels • Collaborate with other networks • Clear benefits • Simple membership structure • Compelling reason for belonging Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  25. Alliance for Technology Access • ATA is now… 39 AT centers 25 Community technology programs 40 Technology vendors 22 Individual practitioners 3 national networks Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

  26. To learn more • ATA resources • Information on joining • Information on members • www.ATAccess.org • 707-778-3011 • 707-778-3015 TTY Developed by the Alliance for Technology Access

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