Maine Child Development Services (CDS) system, in collaboration with the Maine CITE Coordinating Center, the statewide Assistive technology (AT) program, has created a web-based inventory system to track adaptive equipment/AT.
The project began in the summer of 2013 led by Kathy Adams OTL, ATP from Maine CITE in collaboration with CDS State Director, Cindy Brown. Kathy worked with the nine regional CDS directors and staff to create the centralized inventory called AT4CDS. The new database has more than 700 items listed. The regional inventories were merged so each region can track the AT and equipment in their region as well as loan equipment between regions in Maine.
Following training with the CDS state and regions staff, the new online system went live in May 2014.
The Maine CDS system has nine regional sites across the state that provide IDEA case management and direct instruction for families with children from birth through age five. Each site is involved in the process of identifying children with disabilities through screenings and evaluations in order to determine eligibility for services. Regional CDS sites arrange for local services that include early intervention and special education and related services.
Maine CITE’s Kathy Adams commented, “It was a pleasure to initiate and complete this project with Cindy Brown and the regional CDS staff. It was a real team effort and we are excited to support this online AT Inventory project with CDS.”
For more information on the new web-based inventory or for general inquiries related to Child Development Services please contact the Director, Cindy Brown at cindy.brown@maine.gov or 207-624-6633.