Skill-Building Training
Phyl, I just wanted to call and thank you so much for coming down here and doing this training for us. I have heard nothing but good comments and the enthusiasm that has been built - it is wonderful. I cannot thank you enough for doing this. And for providing such a great training. Everyone was thrilled. They said how knowledgeable you are, what a great presenter you are, and that it was a really very good training. . . I certainly hope that we can do something again soon . . . so that we have the opportunity to work together again! 
Phyl's collaborative consultation model incorporates regular training of theory, principles, and practical application of all assistive technology solutions during a consultation visit. Many teams, however, find the need to further expand their knowledge base in a more formal setting with tailor-made workshops and classes.
Fee-based, customized training for individual teams, agency staff, and supervisory union personnel is available in the following formats:
Inservices & Workshops
Make-and-Take Product Creation Classes
Hands-On Labs
Seminars and Course Series
Training content includes step-by-step instruction for the selection, organization, creation, and implementation of both low technology and high technology assistive technology solutions. Participants can receive hands-on training for various specialized assistive technology supports.
In addition to providing instruction on assistive technology solutions, Phyl also conducts training sessions on collaborative team building, which teach participants how to “build bridges” - not “drive wedges” - in team communications.
Phyl's training sessions provide instruction in these specialized areas:
Adapted Curriculum & Teaching
Augmentative Communication
Collaborative Team Building
Control Interfaces & Switches
Educational & Vocational Supports
Environmental Design & Accommodations
Keyboard & Mouse Emulation
Specialized Software Applications
Specific examples of Phyl's abilities to conduct trainings and course series include:
Phyl taught a course on Augmentative Communication in our district . . . which brought together special educators from the preschool to the high school level. Since that time, and through Phyl's consultations with various teams, our special educators have begun to collaborate - sharing ideas, materials, and equipment. This opening of communication helps students and their parents feel more comfortable with transitions as they progress through the school system. 
Phyl's training sessions are . . . extremely informative, exciting, and above all, everyone leaves with skills that can be immediately put to use . . . She always communicates her goals clearly and states her expectations in a way that leaves no questions. As I said yesterday, you are a fantastic presenter and what a privilege the Springfield team feels we have that we are able to work with you on a monthly basis. You have a gift. You are so good at making each person 'on the train' feel valuable. Everyone got a compliment and recognition from you yesterday at some point in the training. We all left, parents and providers, with high self-esteem and confidence and renewed energy for the work that lay ahead. I'm so proud to know you and call you my friend as well as my colleague. 
Staff development and training is another area in which Phyl excels. This ensures the development and implementation of the equipment and programs which Phyl has deemed necessary to (our daughter's) success are followed through on . . . Phyl is making sure training of the school staff is done and equipment is ordered. Phyl . . . has offered training for all staff in using Boardmaker and Pix Writer software. She has taught a six-week course in using visual strategies to improve writing skills. As her reputation has grown, attendance at these classes has too. She has been incredibly generous with her time and skill and students throughout the district have benefited tremendously. The day was so great and I learned so much that I am still thinking about it! Thanks for being a great support to (our son) and our family. We appreciate it. 
I have learned a great deal from her. I respect her opinion. I frequently ask her to stop in and see me so that I can learn more about her field and the services that she so deftly provides. She is always willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of those whom she serves. In addition, Phyl donates time each year to provide information and continuing education at various conferences, camps, and special meetings sponsored by different organizations and groups. The format, content, and setting of this continuing education varies and is based on need and interest.
Some examples of Phyl's volunteer work include:
It was great being a part of the sharing session. Thank you for all the preparation and time. You have a great presentation style mixed in with lots of knowledge about the field. The families and teams you support are very fortunate to have you as their AT/AAC resource. 
We wanted to express our appreciation and thanks for working under technology duress and pulling off a wonderful session despite obstacles (including a tiny room and many people in it!). You are a true professional because only one could accomplish this and still get A+ ratings from course participants. Thanks again and especially for donating your honorarium back to the district for student use. For those who attended Phyl Macomber's augmentative communication workshop: 'Visual and Auditory Tools To Use In The Home, School, And Community Setting' in April, (you) know just how exceptional the evening was! Phyl Macomber did a beautiful job organizing, leading, and presenting the workshop . . . Wouldn't it be great if all workshops could be this educational, fun, and exciting! Thank you so very much for your presentation focusing on assistive technology supports . . . Not only did that provide a solid foundation for those that have not had much experience with the idea of adaptive play and communication, but (also) an opportunity for refreshing the minds of those that have. I mostly appreciate the time and energy you have volunteered in order to make this available to staff. You are a very giving person committed to enhancing the opportunity for quality education for children as well as supremely knowledgeable in your field. Down Right Special extends their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for presenting an Augmentative Communication Workshop to our group on January 11, 2002 . . . We truly thank you for sacrificing your Friday evening to spend with us. The parents and professionals who were able to attend gained enormously from listening to you speak, seeing and feeling the low and high technology devices, and reading the handouts you graciously printed for everyone to take. It was encouraging to hear examples of how successful augmentative communication has been for students you have worked with. The following pages include some samples of trainings and course series provided by Phyl in various locations.
If you have identified your training needs, please complete the Assistive Technology Consultation & Training Form found in the section "Request a Training" and forward this form to Phyl via e-mail, postal mail or fax.
If you need assistance identifying your training needs, please schedule a complimentary Training Needs Interview, which is completed by Phyl with the training host. Through a series of questions and discussion, Phyl assists with the identification of potential topics with related training objectives that are tailor-made to each request. Telephone Phyl or send an e-mail inquiry to her to schedule this interview.