RESNA member Lynne Deese, MA, ATP, an Assistive Technologist with the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) and chair of RESNA's Educators PSG, recently completed a short film about the life experiences of assistive technology users. The film showcases the contributions of assistive technologists and family members who work with these users as they embarked on a new way to attend school, interact with others, participate in meaningful work, and express their spirit. The film debuted at North Carolina's G.R.E.A.T conference on October 23, 2014. 

 

Production efforts started in April of 2014 and actual filming began in June and ended in September.  The film includes consumers throughout eastern North Carolina. Lynne and her team worked jointly with the communications department of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS).  NC DHHS provided the videographer, who also served as the editor. Lynne did all of the production work, provided some direction, assisted with the editing process, and provided technical assistance with the assistive technology during the shoots. The film was financially supported through existing budgets at NC DHHS and North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

 

Many organizations provided support during the filming, including NC DHHS, NC Vocational Rehabilitation, NC AgrAbility, Wayne County Schools in North Carolina, Relay North Carolina, VGo Communications and Vets to Vets United. The G.R.E.A.T conference is a joint effort between NCATP and the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association. The team is now working on developing a plan to promote this project further.