Vol. 4, No. 2, March/April 1996	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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New Castle County Assistive Technology Resource Center Moves!

On March 1, the management of the New Castle County Assistive Technology Resource Center transferred from Delaware Elwyn to Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar, Inc., located at 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle Corporate Commons. The move is a result of a decision made by Delaware Elwyn after careful planning regarding its future and assistive technology services.

"We are proud to have been a leader in the establishment of assistive technology services in New Castle County, but after carefully reviewing our agency's future plans and that of the ATRC, we came to the conclusion that Easter Seals, because of the focus of their extensive clinical outpatient services, would provide a better fit for the center in the future," says Cathie Field Lloyd, Executive Director of Delaware Elwyn. According to Lloyd, Delaware Elwyn, like many other non-profit organizations, has been reviewing its services in anticipation of both leaner funding and the need for more positive collaborations among agencies in the future. The fact that Easter Seals already operates the assistive technology resource centers in Sussex and Kent counties made it a logical home for the New Castle County center.

Federal funding for the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) will be reduced gradually over the next six years. The intent of the legislation is that the community be able to absorb the services eventually with no further assistance from the federal government. Delaware Elwyn, DATI, and Easter Seals are cooperatively planning for this eventuality. All three organizations embrace the decision as a positive, proactive step toward preparing for the future.

Beth Mineo, Director of the DATI, hailed Delaware Elwyn's decision as progressive. "When Delaware Elwyn approached me to ask if they could discuss this possibility with Easter Seals, I was pleased to see their forward thinking and their concern for the future of services in Delaware. They have done an excellent job and I look forward to their continued collaboration with DATI." In addition, Delaware Elwyn plans to transfer a related service to Easter Seals. Delaware Elwyn's mobile technology unit, which provides in-home assessments for environmental controls and work place technology assessments, will be added to the list of assistive technology services offered by Easter Seal on April 1.

The new phone numbers for the center are: 328-ATRC (2872), 328-2905 (TDD), and 328-2796 (fax).

Elwyn and Easter Seals are working closely together to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions regarding services during the transition, please call Joe Cipolla at 657-5589 or Bill Adami at 324-4444.