Service Staff
Rehabilitation Services
711 South Vienna, Ruston, LA 71270 *Phone: 318-257-4562/Toll Free (LA only) 800-310-4251 *FAX: 318-255-4175 *E-mail: crest@latech.edu
CREST provides Assistive Technology assessment and training services for consumers with disabilities. These services are available statewide through our Center in Ruston or in our satellite offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
Rehabilitation Program Areas
Activities of Daily Living Program
Ms. Marty Gallagher, (BRB 214)
The activites of Daily Living Program conducts evaluations of an individual's daily
needs in the areas of transfers, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, personal hygiene
and environmental controls. Specifications for the adaptive equipment to enhance the
consumer's independence are provided.
Augmentative and Alternative Communications Program
Ms. Christy Garrett, (BRB 205)
The Augmentative and Alternative Communication Program provides comprehensive services
for individuals with communications difficulties. These include speech therapy, communication
evaluations, systems assessments and communication system set-up and training.
Computer Access
Mr. Joel Fernandes, (BRB 215)
The Computer Access Program provides an in-depth assessment of an individual's ability to operate a computer with adaptive hardware or specialized software programs. Once an appropriate system is determined, system set-up and software installation and training are available.
Driver Rehabilitation Program
Ms. Janice Girouard, (BRB 213)
The Driver Rehabilitation Program provides a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's
potential to operate a motor vehicle. The process includes a clinical assessment of
the consumer's visual, cognitive and psychomotor skills and a behind-the-wheel assessment
to determine the types of adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications necessary for
driving.Seating and Wheeled Mobility Program
Ms. Marty Gallagher, (BRB 214)
The Seating and Wheeled Mobility Program conducts assessments to determine the most
appropriate seating system and mobility device to accommodate an individual's needs
at home, school or work. According to each individual's needs, specifications for
scooters, manual wheelchairs or power wheelchairs are provided.
Wheelchair Transportation Program
Mr. Marvin King, (BRB 216)
The Wheelchair Transportation Program provides an evaluation of a consumer's wheelchair
and scooter transportation needs. For those transporting unoccupied systems, recommendations
for loading and unloading the device are provided. For individuals who must ride in
their wheelchair in a vehicle, specifications for vehicle modifications and occupant
protection systems are provided.
Rehabilitation Engineering Field Services
Ms. Kimberly Pace, Senior Rehabilitation Engineer, New Orleans, LA
Provides Rehabilitation Services in New Orleans and Houma, Louisiana. The primary services available under this program include evaluations for enhanced
accessibility of an individual's home, school and work sites. The evaluators will
conduct on-site surveys for accessibility and provide the specifications and plans
to be used by contractors performing the work. In addition to the Ruston location,
Rehabilitation Engineers are located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
Mr. Ricardo Cerna, Rehabilitation Engineer
Ruston, LA, BRB 210
Provides rehabilitation services in Shreveport and Alexandria, Louisiana.
Mr. Joel Fernandes, Rehabilitation Engineer
Ruston, LA, BRB 215
Provides rehabilitiation services in Monroe, Louisiana.
Ms. Amanda Nunnery, Rehabilitation Engineer
Lafayette, LA
Provides rehabilitation services in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Ms. Allison Shipp, Rehabilitation Engineer
Baton Rouge, LA
Provides rehabilitation services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Mr. Brad Marsh, Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Shreveport, LA
Provides assessments for home, worksite, and computer access in Northwest Louisiana.
CREST Administrative Staff
Mr. Michael Shipp, CREST Center Director
Ruston, LA, BRB 201
Ms. Kitty J. Carter, Administrative Assistant; Consumer Services Coordinator
Ruston, LA, BRB 202
Ms. Capree Bramel, Research Associate; Accounting
Ruston, LA, BRB 203
Ms. Peggy Hale, Reception/Switchboard
Ruston, LA, BRB 117