Welcome

What is so great about T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is that any instructor has a framework for adapting materials that they can follow with each new lesson. T.H.E. P.A.C.T. modules address the four areas of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking – ensuring that a learner of any age or disability greatly improves in knowledge, skills, and performance.

- Jean Slater
President of Slater Software

As I said yesterday, you are a fantastic presenter, ... You have a gift. We all left, parents and providers, with high self-esteem and confidence and renewed energy for the work that lay ahead. - Amy Shaw, Speech-Language Pathologist

Phyl T. Macomber, Assistive Technology Specialist, is the President of PracticalATSolutions.com & Make A Difference, Inc. She is an award-winning, national speaker on topics of adapted curriculum and teaching, augmentative communication, collaborative team building, and specialized software. Phyl has authored an adapted curriculum framework called T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ - Technology Helps Easy & Practical Adapted Curriculum Teaching - which outlines how to design "Learn About, Read About, Write About, and Talk About™" modules for special needs learners of any age.

Phyl is also authoring the PracticalATSolutions.com Book Series, with the initial book in the series titled, The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. - the first of several volumes that will be written about this framework. Phyl is donating 50% of the profits from this book series to fund ovarian cancer research in honor of her mother who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2007.

Since completing a fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital's Kennedy Krieger Institute in 1988, Phyl has provided customized consultation and skill-building training to teams serving individuals with disabilities in New England and on a national basis. Some of Phyl's volunteer work includes having collaborated with the television crew of ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with onsite identification, delivery, & setup of communication technologies for a child in his new home.

1. The identification of solutions that are practical and easy to implement.

   I have worked in public schools for 18 years and have interacted with many consultants. Phyl Macomber is the most effective consultant I have ever encountered . . . Lucky child! Lucky us!

   - Joan Campbell,
   Speech-Language Pathologist

2. The delivery of clear explanations and realistic expectations.

   Phyl has become an indispensable member of our teams. She always communicates her goals clearly and states her expectations in a way that leaves no questions. Phyl has an ability to not only develop individualized programs for students, educators, and family members, but to follow up and monitor members of the team to assure they are meeting the stated expectations.

   - Mary Sue Crowley,
   Learning Specialist

3. The training of skills and development of materials that can be readily put to use.

   Beginning with the first day she came into our classroom, Phyl set a purpose for activities relevant to the developmental level of our learner and with the goal of meaningful interactions in all subject areas and with all the members of this student's environment - both teachers and peers. She left us that first day with 'plan of action' and ‘homework’ for us to complete for our next team meeting. The team was kept on task and moving ahead in order to meet the needs of our student.

   - Tina Connor,
   Classroom Teacher
   Phyl is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who will go above and beyond what is asked of her. . . She is able to bring not only the highest level of professional skills to a team, but also a part of herself. She is involved with many families and various teams of professionals, yet you always feel that Phyl is there for your team only.

   - Leo Blair,
   Special Educator