Contact Institute for Human Development
Community resources
The institute provides many services and support for the surrounding community. These include:
Community training
In-service training on a wide range of subjects that affect the lives of persons with disabilities is provided for:
- agencies
- administrators
- professionals
- paraprofessionals
- consumers
- family members
For more information, contact:
Technical assistance
Technical assistance may consist of:
- the development and implementation of needs and assessment studies
- websites
- research design and data analysis
- program evaluation
- disability training curricula
- policy analysis studies
- strategic plans
- grant applications
- program and grant management
For more information, contact:
Direct services
IHD provides direct services through contracts with state service agencies that include:
- early childhood assessment interventions
- assistive technology assessment
- orientation and mobility instruction for adults who are visually impaired
For more information, contact:
NAU-IHD-AzTAP AAC Evaluation and Training Program
As part of its Assistive Technology Services, IHD has been providing comprehensive augmentative communication evaluations to children and adults with complex communication needs for more than 15 years through its contract with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)*. After the client receives his or her device, follow-up training will be provided when authorized by DDD.
*NAU requires an authorization from DDD for Augmentative Communication (AAC) Evaluations and Training before services can be provided for DDD clients. If you have a DDD eligible family member who is nonverbal and might benefit from an AAC device, please contact your Support Coordinator and request that they initiate the process for an AAC evaluation.
Assistive Technology Center (AT Center)
The Assistive Technology (AT) Center is a resource to the communities of Northern Arizona. Located on the Northern Arizona University campus, the Center is a program of the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and supports the mission of IHD through the provision of direct services, interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, and information dissemination related to the field of AT.
Assistive Technology (AT) is any piece of equipment or device that may be used by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks and improve functional capabilities. Properly selected assistive technology products enable individuals with disabilities to become more independent and productive.
Assistive Technology can include:
- eating devices
- adaptive toys
- communication aids
- alternative computer access
- aids to assist with walking, dressing, and other activities of daily living
- visual aids
- aids to augment hearing
This technology may range from very low-cost, low-tech adaptations (such as a battery interrupter and switch to make a toy accessible) to high-tech, very expensive devices (such as a powered wheelchair and environmental controller operated by tongue-touch).
People with disabilities may use assistive technology to:
- participate in everyday activities
- play and enjoy recreational activities
- become mobile
- communicate
- hear better
- see better
- learn easier
- use a computer
- become more independent at meal time
Our location
Institute for Human Development
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 5630
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5630
Room 171
Phone: 928-523-6759
Debbie Mariage
Other resources
Arizona Loan for Assistive Technology (AzLAT)
Association of University Centers of Disabilities
ADE Assistive Technology Short Term Loan Library
Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
NAU-IHD-AzTAP AAC Evaluation and Training Program