The Assistive Technology (AT) needs in very young children with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities continue to be underserved. The Tech for Tots™ training packet was developed to address this lack of appreciation for how AT can be integrated into, and support, known developmental processes during infancy and through early childhood.

The Tech for Tots™ neurodevelopmental model is aimed to focus attention on the role that AT plays

1) as access to conditions and activities typically necessary for early, experiential, learning and maturation

2) in preventing secondary disabilities which are unrelated to factors underlying the primary disability, but which can result from a lack of access to experiential learning opportunities due to the primary disability.

The Tech for Tots™ training materials have been widely utilized nationwide by school districts, hospital rehabilitation programs, early intervention agencies, and early intervention training agencies. The training packet has been evaluated and listed as a resource on the Family Center for Technology and Disability website. Tech for Tots™ was developed at the USC UCEDD at CHLA and was funded by a grant from the Department of Education.

For more information, please contact:

Sonia K. Aller, Ph.D., CCC
Phone: (323) 361-3828
Email: saller@chla.usc.edu