The DAP Lending Library was established by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in honor of Dr. David A. Powers upon his retirement as Department Chair in 2007. A graduate of East Carolina University, Dr. Powers served the field of Special Education throughout his career, serving as a teacher, special education director, and professor. In addition, he served the College of Education in a variety of leadership roles through times of great growth and change. Now a Professor Emeritus and Special Assistant to the Provost, Dr. Powers continues to serve the university.
Under Dr. Powers’ leadership, the Assistive Technology Laboratory (ATL) was established in 1991. Together with Dr. Melissa Engleman, he began the ATL as a means of providing training in specialized technology for individuals with disabilities to pre-service and in-service teachers in the undergraduate and graduate special education program area. Under the next Director, Dr. Tara Jeffs the ATL grew to become the Irene Howell Assistive Technology (IHAT) Center, and began providing training through professional development to students both across and outside of the College of Education. In addition to training, students and community partners are able to check out AT products as the DAP Lending Library houses a variety of assistive technology products and devices which are available for short term loans to students for school projects and practicum experiences, to faculty, students and collaborative partners for research purposes, to teachers, school districts, and community partners for trial in AT Evaluations, and to families for trial and exploration.
The DAP Lending Library was established as an enduring testament to Dr. Powers’s foresight and dedication to the area of special education technology.