Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence (ATEI)

ATEI is the Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Program

Assistive technology (AT) includes devices and products that enable persons with disabilities to be more productive and independent in daily activities. Assistive technology products range from simple to complex and can be used at home, work, school, and in the community to reduce barriers to access and increase personal abilities.

ATEI is funded through a contract with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), a federal agency under the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. It provides comprehensive assistive technology (AT) services to RSA’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients statewide. ATEI’s AT services include:

• the provision of comprehensive assistive technology evaluations;
• client AT device training;
• product installation services;
• technical assistance;
• client-specific AT and bulk product purchases;
• product distribution to clients; and
• the management of an employment-related, dedicated assistive technology inventory for device demonstrations and short-term product loans for RSA clients, staff, and community-based AT specialists.

ATEI vendors may visit the ATEI Vendor page for a list of policies and procedures as well as contract forms.

ATEI as a program under IHD

IHD is an interdisciplinary unit and the oldest institute at NAU. IHD is housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences on the NAU campus in Flagstaff, Arizona. IHD is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) emphasizing four core function areas: (1) Research and Evaluation, (2) Interdisciplinary Education and Training, (3) Community Service, and (4) Information Dissemination (see our core functions page for more information). IHD is also home to the Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP), the designated Assistive Technology Act Program for Arizona. Like AzTAP, the ATEI program falls within IHD’s Community Service area.

About Us

Nathan Pullen

Nathan Pullen is the director of the Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Program (ATEI). Nathan has over 20 years of administrative and leadership experience and comes to us from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, where he previously operated an employment program for legally blind individuals. Nathan has many years of assistive technology expertise, and serves on the AzTAP Advisory Board, the Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment, and many other boards and community organizations.

Heidi Lervik

Heidi Lervik is an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist with IHD’s Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Program (ATEI). With over 25 years of experience working with individuals with various disabilities in the state of Arizona, Heidi has worked for the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Cochlear Americas. For the last seven years, she has specialized in the field of assistive technology, working for the Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) as an AT specialist. Her education includes bachelor’s degrees in sociology and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arizona. She is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Heidi contributes her technical expertise in the field of assistive technology, her connections and understanding of disability services in Arizona, and her unwavering devotion to client services with enthusiasm and a sense of humor – which make her a favorite among clients and fellow professionals alike.

Gaye Champine

Gaye Champine is the ATEI senior administrative assistant. She helps organize and support the day-to-day activities of the program, provides client support, and works with vendors. Gaye previously worked with our sister program as the program coordinator in charge of AzTAP’s financial loan program, technology reuse programs, and ReFurbit. Gaye also has over 20 years of experience at Arizona’s Rehabilitation Services Administration. She is passionate about helping people with disabilities and is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of all her clients at ATEI.

Sandee Hemer

Sandee Hemer is the ATEI inventory assistant manager. She comes to ATEI from RSA, where she worked for five years as a consultant and trainer. Sandee worked with blind and visually impaired individuals, assisting them in owning and operating their own businesses through the State of Arizona’s Business Enterprise Program. Having the opportunity to integrate over 15 years of business management experience with helping individuals with disabilities become independent and gainfully employed has given Sandee a new direction and passion for assistive technology.

Mary Anne Barno

Mary Anne Barno is an assistive technology specialist with IHD’s Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Program (ATEI). She has over 12 years of experience serving individuals with complex bodies and communication needs. Her journey started as a care provider giving her knowledge and understanding of an individual’s needs in multiple settings. Mary Anne has worked for a neighboring school district and a local home-health-based company as a speech and language pathologist assistant and assistive technology specialist. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University. In addition, Mary Anne leads one of the Out & About Community groups for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users within the Valley. A passion for helping others drives her dedication and resilience to overcome barriers and bring inclusion for all.

Office Location:

ATEI
205 E. Southern Ave.
Suite 102 (by appointment only)
Mesa, AZ 85210

For more information: