Assistive Technology Services

There are three ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES at the SCCR:

Adaptive Driving Service

Adaptive Seating Service

Augmentative Communication Service


Adaptive Driving Service

What is the Adaptive Driving Service?

The Adaptive Driving Service enables persons with disabilities to have safe and accessible transportation in their community. This service benefits passengers and drivers by providing assessments and recommendations for vehicle modifications and driver training.

How are clients referred?

Clients must be referred by their family doctor or a specialist. A therapist or client can initiate the referral but a doctor must approve it. Other documentation may be requested, including:

Summary of relevant reports from:

  • occupational therapy
  • neuropsychology
  • physiotherapy
  • speech-language pathology
  • optometry
  • ophthalmology

Pre-assessment questionnaire or pre-consultation questionnaire

Visit the Referral Process page for more information.

Who are the members of the Adaptive Driving Service team?

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Resource/Scheduling Clerk

Additional SCCR staff are available for consultation.

What services are offered by the Adaptive Driving Service?

Driver Assessment :
The driving assessment helps determine the client's ability to begin or resume driving.  An assessment is completed that considers the client's physical, visual and cognitive/perceptual abilities. 

Specially-adapted equipment may be suggested to help the client access and control a vehicle. Information on equipment, suppliers and funding sources is provided. Driver training or, in some cases, further testing or alternative transportation options, may be recommended.

Driver Training :
Driver training may be recommended for those clients who need to learn a new skill and/or improve their driving habits and behaviors. A driver assessment by the Adaptive Driving Service will help determine the client's needs and abilities. 

Vehicle Modification Consultation Services :
The Adaptive Driving Service provides consultation services to clients, caregivers and health professionals. This may include information on ways to transfer in and out of a vehicle, equipment for lifting and storing mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters), and issues related to safety. Information on equipment, suppliers and funding sources is also provided.

What is the cost of this service?

The Adaptive Driving Service is not covered by provincial Medicare.

Fee Schedule :

Vehicle Modification Consultation
Self-pay                        $25.00
Third party                     $50.00

Driver Assessment and Equipment Prescription
Self-pay                        $80.00
Third party                     $300.00

Contact Information:

Carol Morrison, BSc.O.T.Reg. (N.B), C.D.R.S, Coordinator
506-452-5876 (telephone)
506-447-4160 (fax)
Carol.Morrison@rvh.nb.ca

Danielle Coleman, Secretary
506-447-4214 (Telephone)
506-447-4160 (Fax)
Danielle.Coleman@rvh.nb.ca

 

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Adaptive Seating Service

What is the Adaptive Seating Service?

The Adaptive Seating Service provides in-depth assessment and consultation by an Occupational Therapist. This service is provided to adults and children with a physical disability who have specialized positioning and mobility needs.

Experienced technicians design and adapt wheelchairs, seating systems, and other devices to meet the client's needs.

How are clients referred to the Adaptive Seating Service?

Clients must be referred by their family doctor or specialist. A therapist or client can initiate the referral but a doctor must approve it. Other documentation may be requested:
Client and/or family questionnaire
Information from other professionals involved, including:
Summary of relevant information from occupational therapy
Relevant information from school or employment
Relevant information from other stakeholder agencies (e.g., MD, MS)

For information on making referrals, please visit the Referral Process page.

Who are the members of the Adaptive Seating Service team?

  • 2 occupational therapists
  • 2 technicians
  • 1 full-time and 1 part-time resource/scheduling clerk.

What services does the Adaptive Seating Service offer?

They offer assessment, consultation, training and education related to:

Mobility Devices : Simple-to-complicated manual and power wheelchair prescriptions, modification of existing mobility devices, fabrication of customized accessories.

Seating and Positioning : Design and fabrication of simple-to-complex inserts, seat and back cushions, specialized headrests, footrests and arm supports.

Standing Frames : Design and fabrication of standing frames that can be adjusted according to the client's growth, as well free-standing trays.

Alternate Positioning : Modification of alternate positioning devices in order to meet the client's specific needs. Examples are school chairs and bathing devices.

Augmentative Communication System Mounting Devices : Fabrication and/or installation of mounting devices for communication systems and integration with power mobility access.

Pressure Mapping: A pressure map shows pressure distribution on sitting surfaces. It is a tool we use when choosing or comparing different cushions and back supports.

What is the cost of services?

There is no charge for any services offered by the occupational therapists. Funding for the technician's time is billed to government agencies, private insurance companies and/or non-profit organizations.

Contact Information:

Marie Smith, Secretary
506-452-5411 (telephone)
506-452-5374 (fax)
Marie.Smith@rvh.nb.ca

Pam McCaskill, BScOT (c)
506-447-4346 (telephone)
506-452-5374 (fax)
Pam.Mccaskill@rvh.nb.ca

Krista Porter, BScOT (c), coordinator
506-452-5684 (telephone)
506-452-5374 (fax)
Krista.Porter@rvh.nb.ca

Dany Guignard and Mark Gillingham, technicians
506-452-5685 (telephone)
Dany.Guignard@rvh.nb.ca
Mark.Gillingham@rvh.nb.ca

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Augmentative Communication Service

What is the Augmentative Communication Service?

The Augmentative Communication Service provides direct assessment, assistance, consultation or information to clients who need a way to communicate, other than speech, or need help using computers or controlling their environments. They also provide assistance to the clients therapists, teachers and caregivers.

How are clients referred to the Augmentative Communication Service?

Clients must be referred by their family doctor or specialist. A therapist or client can initiate the referral but a doctor must approve it. Other documentation may be requested:

  • Client and/or Family questionnaire
  • Pertinent information from other professionals involved, including : 
    • Summary of relevant information from occupational therapy and/or speech-language pathology
    • Relevant information from school or employment
    • Relevant information from other stakeholder agencies(e.g., APSEA)
    • Results of other relevant consultations such as optometry, ophthalmology, audiology, neuropsychology, etc., if applicable

For information on making referrals, please visit the Referral Process page.

Who are the members of the Augmentative Communication Service? 

  • 2 Speech-Language Pathologists (includes one new position)
  • 2 Occupational Therapists (includes one new position)
  • 1 Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist
  • 1 Administrative Assistant

What services does the Augmentative Communication Service offer?

Assessment, consultation, training, education, programming and/or modifying or prototyping related to:

Augmentative Communication: Assessing, prescribing and training related to low technology or high technology to replace or supplement some ones speech.

Computer Access: Assessing, prescribing and training regarding special software and hardware to allow someone to use a computer when standard keyboard and mouse are inadequate.

Environmental Control: Assessing, prescribing and training related to technology to allow someone with physical disabilities to independently control the telephone; audiovisual devices (TV, VCR, radio, etc.); appliances; climate control; blinds; doors; etc., in the home, work or hospital environment.

System Integration: Collaborative approach with other services to ensure all equipment needs (communication, computer, environmental control, mobility, transportation, self-care, etc.) are compatible and as user-friendly as possible.

Education: Providing or coordinating workshops and in-services on new technology or methods to clients and other stakeholders. 

What is the cost of services?

Most services by ACS therapists are free of charge. Occasionally, there may be charges for special projects involving fabrication and purchased materials.  

Contact Information:

Amy Melanson, Administrative Assistant
506-452-5556 (telephone)
506-447-4379 (fax)
Amy.Melanson@rvh.nb.ca

Bill Wallace M.Sc., S-LP(C), Coordinator
506-452-5396(telephone)
506-447-4379 (fax)
Bill.Wallace@rvh.nb.ca

Lise Bleau, BScOT, OT(C), OT Reg NB
Occupational Therapist
506-447-4376 (telephone)
506-452-4379 (fax)
Lise.Bleau@rvh.nb.ca

Marla Calder, BScOT, OT(c), OT Reg NB
Occupational Therapist
(506) 452-5755 (telephone)
(506) 447-4379 (fax)
Marla.Calder@rvh.nb.ca

Nicole Robert
Speech-Language Pathologist
452-5819 (telephone)
(506) 447-4379 (fax)

Nicole.Robert@rvh.nb.ca

Josh Keys,B.Sc.E.E .
Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist
506-452-5396(telephone)
506-447-4379 (fax)
Josh.Keys@rvh.nb.ca

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