New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP)

The New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) leads the Southwest ADA Center’s Accessible Information Technology Initiative. NMTAP staff possesses in-depth expertise on accessible IT, Section 508, and IDEA as it applies to addressing AT in a child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program). In addition to providing in-depth expertise on accessible information technology, the NMTAP is carrying out a number of important initiatives dedicated to enhancing the capacity of educational institutions to purchase, make and integrate accessible information technology in the classroom.

To carry out its mission in the network:

NMTAP identifies individuals with two different levels of IT expertise: 1) experts in making information technology accessible, and 2) individuals within school systems that make IT purchasing decisions and/or have expertise in IT. IT experts in making information technology accessible are recruited to join the Computer-Related Accessibility Services Assistance (CASA) Network.

CASA Network members are available to provide in-depth direct technical assistance to educational entities—including teaching schools how to conduct accessible IT self-evaluations so schools can build their institutional capacity to address these issues internally. The DLRP maintains a database of the experts that indicates the types and levels of expertise so appropriate referrals can be made and trainings scheduled that respond to the needs of schools. The second group will be targeted for dissemination, technical assistance and training activities designed to enhance their understanding of the importance of making information technology accessible, how to purchase accessible IT and how to use it in educational settings to assure that students with disabilities can use IT used in classroom activities.

NMTAP has developed a number of different materials and tools on IT for educational entities to use in informing their decisions in purchasing and using accessible IT.

NMTAP is a program of the New Mexico Department of Vocational Rehabilitation based in Albuquerque. NMTAP is also home to two other IT projects: CAREERS and NMONE. CAREERS (Computer and Accommodations Resources with Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Rehabilitation Sites) is a project of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and is conducted with the State Department of Education. The NMONE project provides and assists New Mexico Workforce Development Center Operators and Workforce Investment Boards to make statewide local One-stop career center resources physically, technologically and programmatically accessible to persons with disabilities.

Contact information:

Karen Courtney Petersen
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP)
(505) 954-8561 (V)
kcourtney@state.nm.us