Assistive Technology Specialists

Assistive technology specialists work with students to find the right tools to compensate for learning challenges and disabilities.  Services include assessment, skills training, parent consultation  and parent education.  For the best results, students also work with educational specialists to develop learning strategies to use technology effectively to address a student’s strengths and weaknesses.  Areas of expertise:  learning differences, ADHD and inattention.

Rachael M. (“Shelley”) Haven, ATP, RET
Assistive Technology Specialist

  • Rachael M. (“Shelley”) Haven, ATP, RET

    Shelley has 24 years’ experience with technology for people with physical, sensory and learning challenges. Her specialty is matching users with tools and strategies appropriate to their abilities, functional tasks and learning environments.

    Prior to joining Children's Health Council (CHC), Shelley directed assistive technology (AT) resources and services for Stanford University's Office of Accessible Education (OAE). In that role, she was instrumental in establishing the Schwab Learning Center at Stanford, a division of the OAE which provides enhanced services and resources for students with learning differences and ADHD. Shelley also provided AT training and technical assistance to dozens of school districts under the Arizona Department of Education's statewide AT training project and has worked as an independent consultant to both families and schools.

    Education and Degrees

    • BSME, University of Arizona

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • Certified Assistive Technology Professional (RESNA)
    • Certified Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist (RESNA)

    Professional Affiliations

    • Access Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN)
    • Parents Education Network (PEN)

    Recent Presentations

    • "Notetaking and Knowledge Management: Tools to Capture and Organize What You Learn" - EdRev 2010 Conference, San Francisco, CA (2010)
    • "Matching Students and Learning Technology: It Starts with Asking the Right Questions" - PEN Speaker Series, San Francisco, CA (2009)
    • "Easy-to-Get, Easy-to-Use Technology for Struggling Learners" - Children's Health Council, Palo Alto, CA (2009) - one of several classes in the "Tech to Success!" series at CHC
    • "Making Assistive Technology "Work": Four Keys to a Successful Outcome" - EdRev 2009 Conference, San Francisco, CA (2009)
    • "When 8-1 2 by 11 is Not Enough: Whiteboard Capture Systems to Enhance Writing & Studying for Students with Learning Disabilities" - Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN (2004)