Assistive Technology and Autism

IPAT is the Interagency Program for Assistive Technology and is a statewide North Dakota program. While IPAT serves people with a wide range of abilities and needs, this meeting will be focusing on families affected by autism. Ms. Krull will have several AT devices for families to see and consider for their child's unique needs. Assistive Technology is a great tool for a child with special needs such as autism. This can range from special pencil grips to laptops.

Wouldn't it be nice to rent a communication device and try it out before you decide to make a purchase? You can do exactly that through the services at IPAT. Jeannie will present on the inventory available through IPAT for children with special needs. There will be a focus on communication technology. If you are new to technology or interested in the latest advancements with iPods, iTouch, etc...there will be valuable information for you.

The Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) delivers services so people with disabilities can get the assistive technology they need for work, school, and home. IPAT is North Dakota's Statewide AT Program and was established in 1993. IPAT's services provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, try-out, and get assistive technology. IPAT receives federal and state dollars to conduct required activities, engages in additional services on a fee-for-service basis, and seeks other funding through contract or grant opportunities.

Jeannie Krull, MS/CCC-SLP is an assistive technology (AT) coordinator and speech/language pathologist, who has worked with children and adults with varying disabilities for over 18 years.

Ms. Krull spent the first half of her career in private practice speech/language pathology, specializing in many areas to include augmentative communication. In 2000, Ms. Krull joined the Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) as an assistive technology coordinator. She currently provides technical assistance, trainings, equipment demonstrations/setup, consultations, evaluations, and public awareness activities in the area of assistive technology (AT) for North Dakota. Her statewide activities include reviewing and monitoring current state and federal policies governing AT, funding issues, and she has been the Chair/Co-Chair of the Regional Assistive Technology Expo since its inception in 2004.

Ms. Krull received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Speech Language Pathology from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Minnesota.