Tip Squad - Ability Beyond Resource Center CT & NY

Ability Beyond > Resource Center > Empowering Technology > The Tip Squad

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The Tip Squad

The TIP Squad, Technology Innovations for People, is an educational training program made up of individuals supported by Ability Beyond. They are savvy about technology and their role is to pre-pilot the latest technologies before we formally pilot it with individuals.

What They Do

Research and test technology solutions that have the potential to increase independence and provide engagement and communication for other individuals supported by Ability Beyond
Work side by side with program staff to understand program and individual needs
Assist the Senior Leader of Empowering Technology Solutions with implementing technology in a variety of program areas
Support program areas by ensuring the technology is functioning properly
Train and support program staff on the latest technology

Where They Do It

There are currently three TIP Squads, which support the programs in their geographic areas and are responding to completed needs assessments and urgencies in those locations. There are TIP Squads in Chappaqua NY, Danbury CT and Plainville CT.
Members of the TIP Squads have presented at the Interagency Council (IAC) in New York City at the NYSRA Conference in Albany New York and at The Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities.

Qualifications and Criteria

Strong interest in learning new technology that will empower persons with a variety of disabilities.
Able to work as part of a group
Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated
Able to commit to the length of agreed upon internship timeframe (typically 6-12 months).
Professional appearance
Polite, respectful and considerate in manner

ABOUT LAURIE DALE

laurie dale photo Laurie Dale is the Senior Leader of Empowering Technology Solutions at Ability Beyond. She has pioneered the use of assistive technology to improve the everyday lives of the people served by Ability Beyond and is responsible for integrating new innovations that will revolutionize the way Ability Beyond supports people with disabilities. Laurie works to create new bridges between technology and the individuals supported by the organization, identifying and determining what will best allow them to increase their independence.