S.T.A.R. – Supported Typing & Autism Resources

Supported Typing is a strategy to help students with autism gain access to Assistive Technology (AT), communication, and academics. S.T.A.R. – Supported Typing & Autism Resources – which is based in Laguna Hills, California, provides AT services to clients who struggle with verbal communication.

The professionals at S.T.A.R. teach adults and children with autism how to communicate using communication devices such as the iPad. Through individual consultation, they match the best communication strategy, the best communication programs and apps, and the best communication devices to each client’s specific needs. Through communication, lives are changed.

Nancy Brady, MA-EdSP, ATS

S.T.A.R. founder Nancy Brady is an advocate for Inclusive Education for all students, especially those with severe communication disorders.

Since 2006, Nancy has worked with teachers, aides, parents and students to make successful inclusion a reality for students who were previously placed in more restrictive educational placements.

Nancy has a Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education from Chapman University as well as a certificate in Assistive Technology from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Nancy completed the Mentorship Project for Communication Partner Support in 2008 through WAPADH, and the Institute for Communication and Inclusion Summer Conference at Syracuse University in New York in 2006 and 2007.

Nancy is a faculty member at Autism College.com. Previously, she was a Training Assistant for the beginning communication workshop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. She is a professional member of RESNA – Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, and a parent member of Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).

For more information about S.T.A.R., visit their website, www.supportedtyping.com.
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About Autism College

Autism College was founded by Chantal Sicile-Kira, a tireless advocate for those on the autism spectrum, in order to provide practical information and online training about autism. Chantal is an award-winning author, speaker, and leader in the field of autism. She has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for over 25 years as both a parent of an autistic child and a professional.

In 2009, Chantal was appointed by the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders as Co-Chair of the South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce. She also served on the Taskforce on Transitional Services & Supports for the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.

• AutismCollege.com is one of Ten Autism Tech Sites recommended by Mashable.com (April 2013)
• Chantal Sicile-Kira is a Top Ten Autism Blogger and Social HealthMaker by Sharecare (April 2013)

For more information about Autism College, visit the website, autismcollege.com.
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About RESNA

RESNA – the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America – is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions.

RESNA offers certification, continuing education, and professional development; developing assistive technology standards; promoting research and public policy; and sponsoring forums for the exchange of information and ideas.

Located in Arlington, VA, RESNA provides scientific, literary, professional and educational activities by supporting the development,dissemination, and utilization of knowledge and practice of rehabilitation and assistive technology in order to achieve the highest quality of life for all citizens.

For more information about RESNA, visit their website, www.resna.org.
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About TACA

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments.

TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.

TACA believes in early diagnosis, intensive therapies and medical intervention for children affected by autism. It is TACA’s philosophy that with early intervention, medical treatment unique to each person’s needs, and necessary support services for families, many children can improve greatly and some can recover from their autistic symptoms.

For more information about TACA, visit their website, www.tacanow.org.
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