North Carolina has seven regional centers that offer assistive technology (AT) services to families. The Center for Early Communication and Learning (C-ECL) in Morganton is a part of the state-wide network. The C-ECL staff works closely with families providing technical assistance, consultation, and equipment loans. Families are encouraged to visit the C-ECL to investigate materials and discuss with staff specific needs and goals for their child. Families are given the opportunity to borrow and use equipment to determine whether or not a piece of equipment meets their child’s needs prior to purchase. The C-ECL staff is available as a resource to families on issues related to accessing funds to purchase AT equipment.

The C-ECL staff can provide diagnostic activities in homes, child care centers, schools, and other sites where individuals work, play, and recreate. In addition, model demonstration programs for computer access and curricular material development are available to families and the community. The computer and curricular resource centers include both MAC and PC computers. These on-site centers serve as a resource for individual assessment as well as group training activities. Assistive technology diagnostic activities are provided in collaboration with the child’s early intervention team. We believe that this team approach will ensure that a child’s unique and individual needs across all developmental areas are being addressed. Family participation is especially critical in all diagnostic activities.