A severe brain injury left 3-year-old Alexis Wilhelm without the ability to speak, walk or even sit up on her own.

Yet by using assistive equipment such as a special chair and talking device, the White Plains youngster is learning how to do all these things in her own special way.

But it’s not always been easy, and her mother, Angelique Wilhelm, says she’s too busy dealing with today to even think about what will happen once Alexis moves on to kindergarten.

The Westchester Institute for Human Development, however, is already working to make that transition at least a little bit easier.

Download:

Creating what are called SWAT Teams – or Schools in Westchester Assistive Technology Teams – the WIHD has partnered with local public schools to train educators and expand the use of various assistive technologies.

There are large keyboards for those with motor impairments. There are electronic Braille systems for those with vision difficulties. There are special reading programs for those with dyslexia, and the list goes on.

“It helps to open up access to learning for everyone,” said Lydia Lavin, former director of pupil personnel for Briarcliff Manor schools.

In the past two years, the group has worked with the Pleasantville, Briarcliff Manor, Mount Pleasant, Valhalla, Pocantico Hills, Irvington, Tarrytown and Elmsford school districts to develop the pilot program. Now other schools will be able to buy in.

The focus on public schools builds upon services the WIHD already offers to children, from infants to preschool, including Alexis.

Click here for the full story.