A Profile of Phyl T. Macomber

Phyl T. Macomber, Assistive Technology Specialist, is the President of Make A Difference, Inc. and Practical Assistive Technology Solutions. Since completing a fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital's Kennedy-Krieger Institute in 1988, Phyl has become an award-winning national speaker, author, trainer, and curriculum strategist on topics of adapted curriculum and teaching, augmentative communication, collaborative team building, and specialized software. Her adapted curriculum framework called T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ – Technology Helps Easy & Practical Adapted Curriculum Teaching™ - 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 language-based, systematic approach. She is donating 50% of the profits of the entire book series to fund ovarian cancer research in honor of her mother who passed away of this disease in 2007. In addition, Phyl has developed T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Multimedia System for the framework, with a corresponding organizational workbook software tool called T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Workbook Software Tool, and an expanding low and high technology resource collection. Phyl provides skill-building training & customized consultation – both onsite and through distance learning formats – 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 for a special needs learner and family, as well as assisting with the set-up and design of AAC camps using T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™