Photo by Henry BarriosHello, I'm Aaron Markovits Director of Kern Assistive Technology Center. Thank you for visiting our site. I'm privileged to introduce you to an amazing organization that does outstanding work. Let me begin by telling you a little about me and how I became involved in this work.
I have lived in Bakersfield since I was five years old. I grew up here, went to school here, got married here, and work here. I'm married and have one child. Bakersfield is a great place to live, work, and play.
My junior year in college I had a life changing discovery that led me to a decision to a life committed to community service. I decided to work for a non-profit organization in order to make a difference in this world. I believe I'm called to serve people to provide them with a hand up-not a hand out. I strive to do this while treating others as I'd like to be treated: with dignity, respect, and loving care.
Our organization began in the mid-1990's with a group of leaders representing a number of different community organizations that were committed to developing opportunities for people with disabilities to have access to technology. The idea was more people would be served if the organizations leveraged resources of talent and equipment in one central location. It was at the end of that decade that I was connected with this group of innovative thinkers as a volunteer grantwriter. We received our first major grant in 2000 to do Business Planning from the California Community Technology Foundation. This led to the formation of what is Kern Assistive Technology Center. I incorporated the organization as a non-profit corporation in 2001 with support from the same grant and support from many people committed to the vision. Shortly therafter we received recognition to be a 501 c-3 non-profit organization by the IRS. I and this community owe a debt of gratitude to the community leaders who are responsible for the organization's beginnings.
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities funded a grant proposal in 2004 that allowed us to hire our first staff in 2004. As of January 2012 we have 5 staff.
2012 was a huge year for KATC. We acquired our new facility thanks to generous supporters and developed a new training program for professionals who serve people with disabilities. Once again our Center was a top performing Device Lending Library in the State of California.
My goals for 2013 are:
1) Train more professionals to use Assistive Technology with students and patients than we ever have before.
2) Increase the number of people we serve by offering to bill health insurance for speech evaluations and therapy we perform.
3) Celebrate 10 years of service to the community in style.
I am committed to increasing our identity in the community through a variety of public relation and marketing efforts. We're available to visit your office, service group, or trade association to provide an in-service, program, or demonstration about the services we provide. Contact us.
Our Board of Directors is awesome. The quality people on it include men and woman who get the job done with integrity and grace. All are intelligent, hard working, committed individuals that have volunteered their time to serve. We are fortunate to have each of these talented people with us!
Partner with me in achieving our vision by contacting me any time 661-861-1346 X4.
Sincerely,
Aaron Markovits