Technology Resource Center of Marin

Technology can open doors to a universe of learning opportunities. Nowhere is this more true than for kids with special needs. Sometimes it is a specialized software program, other times it is a mousing device enabling computer access, or a device that enables a student to communicate. Whatever the disability, technology can make a huge difference for learning.

Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Curriculum (AT/AAC) services are big words for “using technology to help kids communicate and learn.” Although AT/AAC services are mandated by law, they remain unfunded by any government source, Federal or California.

Dan Phillips: AAC/AT Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist,
Marin County Office of Education

In 2001, Dedication to Special Education realized the tremendous need for comprehensive, county-wide AT/AAC services. At that time, there was no concerted effort to provide evaluations, no ability to try out different interventions, no follow-up, no training, no nothing. What little that was happening was being farmed out-of-county, haphazardly and at wasteful expense. The vision of the Technology Resource Center came together through partnership with MCOE, and we raised the money to create it with the help of the Wells Fargo Foundation and the Marin Community Foundation.

Today the TRC is one of the most respected and renowned programs in the world. It is the envy of every school district in California. It is the only program of its kind created and supported by the community for the benefit of all children receiving special education services in Marin.

For its first six years the TRC was dependent entirely on support from Dedication to Special Education for its operating expenses. Today DSE continues to provide essential support annually. We continue to purchase the equipment (computers, communications devices, specialized software) that keep the TRC on the cutting edge, and we help maintain the critical staff position that keeps the TRC’s doors open and running smoothly.

The TRC is a crown jewel of special education in Marin. Without DSE support, it would have fallen victim to the recent massive state education chopping block. Our goal is to keep the TRC open and on the cutting edge, so that every child with special needs in Marin can benefit from what technology has to offer in access to living and learning.

The Technology Resource Center provides the following services:

• Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Curriculum (AT/AAC) Assessments
  Children referred by their teachers receive comprehensive assessments on how they learn and the best ways to help them succeed.
• Equipment Loans
  Before equipment is recommended for purchase for a student, the TRC provides a loaner to make sure it’s the right intervention. Each year tens of thousands of dollars are saved through buying the right equipment for the right kid only after it has been thoroughly tested.
• Adaptations
  Adapted curriculum enables kids of all abilities to access standard lesson plans. Software, specialized books on CD and other interventions provide children with the educational content they need. The TRC has become an essential resource for teachers and families.
• Open Labs
  Open labs allows hands-on exploration of materials, equipment and software to educators, students and families. Please contact for more information or to reserve space.
  TRC Email Link: trc@marin.k12.ca.us
• Training
  Training for teachers, resource specialists, speech and language therapists, and other special educators is key to staying current in best practices and learning new software and equipment. Contact for training opportunities.
  TRC Email Link: trc@marin.k12.ca.us
• Lending Library
  Software, low-tech devices, adapted curriculum, and resource information are available for educators and families to check out.

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