Our Staff
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Ray Grott, MA, ATP, RET: Project Director and Head Technologist
Ray has a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Technology from SFSU and is certified as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist (RET) from RESNA—the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. He has over 20 years experience working directly with hundreds of people with a wide range of disabilities and he is nationally-known for his unique equipment modifications and custom design work for workers, students, and parents with disabilities. Ray has taught classes in assistive technology at San Francisco State University since 1992. He has made numerous formal presentations on various aspects of the assistive technology and teaches all-day courses on speech recognition technology and on the ergonomics of computer use. Ray is a member of RESNA and currently serves on its Board of Directors as Chair of the Membership Committee.
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Ronny Gaal, PE, ATP, RET: Rehabilitation Engineer
Ronny has 19 years of experience in the field of assistive technology. After an initial focus on wheelchair research, he has specialized for the past 14 years in providing work site evaluations and accommodations. He studied mechanical engineering at Brown University as an undergraduate and AT and engineering as a graduate student at SFSU. He holds a Professional Engineer license from the State of California, as well as ATP and RET credentials from RESNA. He has contributed research papers and made numerous presentations on his clinical work at conferences and has given many presentations about AT to employers, managers, and consumers.
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Isanna Palmer, BSIT: Trainer and Technical Support
J. Isanna Palmer has been with the RET Project since 2005. She has a BS in Information Technology Management and holds a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from CSUN. Isa conducts most of our training activities. She also handles all of our hardware and software troubleshooting and repairs. She really loves her job (and our clients really lover her!) In her spare time, she is a member of RESNA and an active supporter/volunteer for CDT's Superfest International Disability Film Festival. |
Our philosophy is that the person with the injury or disability is an expert on what their limitations are and what works for them and are therefore a key partner and collaborator in identifying the solutions. This collaboration helps us "get it right" the first time and reduces frustration or finger pointing if further refinement is needed. We strive to avoid a cookie-cutter approach favoring only a few software programs or devices and consider the abilities, needs, and learning styles of the user, matching them against the features of similar types of software or hardware to select the most appropriate option. We utilize a creative problem solving methodology which is both focused and results-oriented. We strive to identify the most cost-effective, low maintenance, and user-friendly solutions.
AWARDS
- In 2002, the RET Project received the W.F. Faulkes Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for the program’s “contribution of national importance to the increase of knowledge in the field of rehabilitation.”
- Ray Grott was honored with RESNA's prestigious Mentor Award in 2002
- The RET Project, in Collaboration with the Wheeled Mobility Center (now Whirlwind Wheelchair International)earned the RESNA Leadership Award for San Francisco State University in 1998
www.culturedisabilitytalent.org/superfest/
