About

As an end user of assistive technology, I have unique experiences that I can share with you and anyone that you know who has an impairment.  Assistive technology is not just a profession for me ... when I come home after my workday I take advantage of these tools and technologies regularly.  It is powerful, it has changed my life, and it can change yours. 

My professional focus is to provide individuals access to computers and devices with built-in assistive technology.  When this is accomplished, I can then help individuals to access all forms of printed and electronic information.  My knowledge includes practical experience with the following types of assistive technology.

The Voilà Technology mission is to recommend assistive technology and related services to people with challenges that will empower them to become contributing citizens to our society.

Hi! My name is Terry Martin, founder of Voilà Technology, Inc. I am so glad that you are taking the time to explore the company site. As you are browsing the site, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the contact form, email, or calling my office phone.  It is my desire to make sure that you have a rewarding and inspiring experience. To learn more, please check out the company videos.  I think you will find the very informative.  

It has been a very long and difficult journey for me to get to this point.  Three months after birth, I was declared legally blind.  There is no vision in my right eye and some usable vision in my left.  My first major challenge was to attend a rural public school nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains during the 60s and 70s.  This was at a time when legally blind people were typically sent to the New York State School for the Blind.  When I was in the first grade, my elementary school principal immediately addressed my challenges and found an old large print Royal typewriter and I was off and running writing away!

I was very active throughout my youth.  Acceptance by others was dear to my heart.  As a young boy, at the age of 14, I was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.  This achievement made me the youngest Eagle Scout in Northern New York.  This award was very special because I completed “all” requirements “without any” special considerations.  In addition to Boy Scouts, I was very active in school.  The wrestling team, track team, and AV club kept me very active.  I graduated on time without special education services.  I made it through public school with only a voice recorder, a magnifying lens, a large print typewriter, and some very dedicated educators and friends.

The next major challenge was during the late 70s when I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the State University College at Oswego.  My concentration of study was in broadcast management and audio/recording engineering.  I graduated on time and on the Dean’s list.  Like public school, I only had a tape recorder, a typewriter, books on tape, and the magnifying lens. 

Immediately after graduating, I moved to Rochester NY where I spent the next 10 years working in commercial and public radio.  I held various positions in engineering, production, and operations.  During my time in radio, I started working with computers back when the Apple IIc and the IBM PC were first introduced.  That was another challenge, trying to access computers without assistive technology.  I left broadcasting in 1987 and began my career as an assistive technology specialist.  It was at this time when I opened my business.  I finally found my passion.  Using my knowledge to help people access electronic and printed information.

I spent the next three decades helping people of all ages to use assistive technology so they could achieve their educational and occupational goals.  My company is based in Rochester NY.  I have been awarded five, five-year contracts with ACCES-VR Of the New York State Education Department as an approved assistive technology and rehabilitation technology specialist.  While working full time, I completed my Master of Science in Education at the State University College in Oswego.  My concentration was in Career & Technical Education.  For two consecutive years, I received the State University of New York Diversity Fellowship for my work with prospective CTE teachers.  My work focused on demonstrating how people can succeed in obtaining an education and a career by using assistive technology.  I also explained to prospective teachers how “Universal design for all learners” can make the classroom accessible for all students. 

My work with prospective CTE teachers has not stopped.  I am a guest lecturer at the State University College at Oswego.  I periodically lectured  in the School of Education, CTE department and Curriculum and Instruction department on the benefits of using assistive technology.  In addition to this work, I have lectured internationally.  My most recent presentation was to the “Worldwide Conference on Education that was held at the University of Brazil.  My lecture was on empowering individuals in their abilities with assistive technology.  I Periodically speak throughout the year to various groups of individuals on a wide variety of topics related to assistive technology and people who have a disability. My most popular topics include accessible document and presentation fundamentals, the benefits of assistive technology, and how assistive technology can benefit the entire workforce.  

As you can see, I have a unique background.  I can empathize with individuals who are disabled, and that is priceless.  I use most of the assistive technology that I recommend.  Since that is the case, prospective clients will be able to see and use the technology that I recommend.  When I go home after work, I still need to use assistive technology to read and write.  I truly love my work, and it is very rewarding for me to help others.  I do not want people going through what I went through to get an education and to become a contributing citizen.

I truly hope you will consider my services.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Thank you very much for your time.