All posts by aiube243

Why Should I Consider An Educational Evaluation For My Child?

Currey IngramChildren with known or suspected learning differences may not thrive in a conventional academic environment. If you think your son or daughter has ADHD, dyslexia, or another processing disorder, an evaluation can point you in the right direction of tools and services that can help them overcome their challenges. Today, Currey Ingram Academy, one of the most sought-after boarding schools in the South, shares insight on three important educational evaluations: psychoeducational, speech-language, and occupational therapy.

Q: What is a psychoeducational evaluation?

Currey Ingram Academy: A psychoeducational evaluation can be summarized as a professionally performed assessment that helps identify a child’s weaknesses and strengths. A parent might seek this type of assessment if they notice persistent behavioral problems, social withdrawal, and poor basic academic skills in foundational areas, such as writing, reading, or math. Many students undergo a psychoeducational evaluation after receiving low standardized test scores or based on a teacher’s recommendation. While not all boarding schools in the South offer psychoeducational evaluations and assessments, Currey Ingram Academy’s Diagnostic Center is open to non-students from ages three into adulthood.

Q: How do I know if my child needs a speech-language evaluation?

Currey Ingram Academy: Speech disorders are not uncommon, but they can derail a child’s academic experience. Whether your child attends one of the private boarding schools in the South or is registered for public education, their ability to sequence information, retell stories, and speak clearly is crucial to their academic success. A speech-language evaluation can help by identifying delays or auditory, verbal, or communication impairments so that your child can receive the help they need to intake, output, and process information clearly and completely.

Q: What does an occupational therapy evaluation look for?

Currey Ingram Academy: A typical occupational therapy evaluation assesses a child’s gross, fine, and visual-motor integration skills. We will look at their ability to perform common self-care acts as well as their handwriting and other actions that require physical, spatial, and coordination skills. Deficits in any of these areas can have a significant and negative effect on a child’s experience at home and at school. It can also affect relationships from the playground and friendships early in life to relationships with colleagues and the boardroom later in life.

Q: What type of therapy or intervention services should I seek after an evaluation?

Currey Ingram Academy: There are many different types of services you might consider for your child. Once you’ve undergone a psychoeducational, speech-language, or occupational therapy evaluation, the test administrator and their team can offer specific suggestions. You will have lots of options, including private therapy or enrolling in one of the boarding schools in the South that specialize in educating children with learning differences.

The Diagnostic Center at Currey Ingram Academy is located in Brentwood, TN, just south of Nashville. We offer services to both students and nonstudents, and our primary concern is ensuring that no child is left behind. For more information, visit us online at CurreyIngram.org.

DK Audio Video Shares Tips On Event Planning

DK Audio VideoIf you’re planning a big event this spring, you’re going to need audio and video equipment. Today’s guest, DK Audio, an AV rentals company serving Denver and surrounding cities, shares insight on what you need to know.

Q: How important is my AV setup?

DK Audio Video: Your audio video setup is one of the most crucial components of any successful event, particularly corporate meetings and presentations. Without proper sound, for example, only people in the first few rows may hear your message. The larger your attendance list, the more important it is to have a sound system, projectors, and AV technicians in place.

Q: Why would I host a corporate meeting off-site?

DK Audio Video: There are many reasons that you might choose to take your company’s presentation away from the conference room. One consideration is space. If you simply don’t have a room large enough to accommodate your entire staff, then look for a venue that does. Further, your preferred venue might even offer some AV equipment that can help you set up for success.

Q: Are there any questions that I need to ask my AV rentals company when getting a quote?

DK Audio Video: Absolutely. Start by confirming how long it will take to get set up. Unless you are hosting the event on your own property, you may have time constraints, and you want to ensure that your installer has ample time to make sure things are right. This is also a great time to let them know if there are any restrictions or obstacles that you’ll need to get around, such as lack of an elevator for moving larger pieces of equipment to a non-ground floor level.

Q: Will all of my speakers have the same AV requirements?

DK Audio Video: That depends. Some speakers require a large projector screen so that they can show attendees what, exactly, they’re talking about. Others may simply need a clip-on microphone and lights to follow them around.

Q: What are some pieces of AV technology that can set my event apart from others?

DK Audio Video: If you’re looking for top-notch AV rentals in Denver, ask your advisor about things like on-screen captioning, interactive screens, or live social media feeds. You can also talk about installing screens throughout your venue so that your presentation can be viewed from multiple locations. Keep in mind that AV requirements can vary drastically from one type of event to the next, so even if you think you have seen it all, there may be something else your technician can recommend that will help you truly stand out when it is your time to shine.

Q: Do you have any advice for the day of set up?

DK Audio Video: Designate one person to act as your coordinator. This may be somebody from the venue or someone on your staff. This individual should be responsible for overseeing equipment set up, confirming with technicians that everything is functional, and even rehearsing with guest speakers and AV techs. 

DK Audio Video offers A/V rentals throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and Aurora. For more information or for your custom quote, email us today at info@dkaudiovideo.com.

Here’s What Happens During the Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Process

Rytech NashvilleFire and smoke can cause extensive damage to your property. Your home could even suffer from extensive water damage as firefighters hose it down to put out the fire. Here’s what to expect during the fire and smoke damage restoration process. 

After submitting your insurance claim, get in touch with a reliable fire and smoke damage restoration company like Rytech Nashville. Their team will be onsite to assess the nature and extent of the fire and smoke damage and plan the appropriate course of action.

For your safety, it’s best to consider off-site housing or staying at a hotel while the fire and smoke damage restoration process is ongoing and until the authorities confirm that your property is structurally sound and liveable. If securing your belongings is a concern, most fire and smoke damage restoration companies will provide board-up services to prevent incidents of theft. A proper board-up should include using plywood bolted from inside the property over windows, and the front door should also be locked.

Soot and smoke can leave lasting or even permanent damage, and the smoky odor can linger in rooms and on your furniture. Professional fire and smoke damage restoration teams have the tools and skills to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces and mitigate possible losses.  

All restorable items are cleaned and disinfected while odors are removed using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Water damage should be addressed immediately

If left unattended, the water used to put out the fire can lead to mold growth, which opens up a wide range of property – and even health – issues. Rytech, Nashville’s leading water damage restoration expert, provides professional water damage assessment and reliable water damage restoration services. Middle Tennessee residents trust Rytech’s IICRC-certified technicians for their water damage restoration requirements post-fire or otherwise. 24-hour emergency services are available. Get in touch today for a no-commitment consultation.

The duration of the restoration process will mainly depend on the size of the property and the extent of damage. A small home with minimal damage could be restored in a few days, whereas it would take almost six months to rebuild a large home completely. Work with a seasoned team like Rytech Nashville to get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Rytech Nashville is a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. The company has reached exponential growth from its humble beginnings in one location and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information.

Pest Control in Bentonville, AR: An All-Year Endeavour

Alder Pest ControlWe tend to think of pest control as something we only need to do in the summer. After all, that’s when mosquitoes are most active, right? Yes, but there are many other bugs and other bothersome creatures that can wreak havoc on you and your home. Some of them are most active during the cooler months.

If you live in the Bentonville, AR area, pest control should be a priority throughout the entire year. Three reasons: cockroaches, rodents, and termites.

There are around six dozen species of cockroach in the US, and many of them live in the South. Although the vast majority make their home outdoors, cooler temperatures will send many looking for shelter, which they can find in your home through cracks and crevices. The most common types of cockroach to be on the lookout for include German, Asian, and Smokey Brown cockroach. Further, although most closely associated with Florida, Bentonville, AR pest control professionals note that palmetto bugs (the American cockroach) are also common.

Rodents are most common indoors during the fall and winter. Rats and mice, which can spread more than 30 different types of diseases, also seek warmth and food as cool temperatures take over. Your pest control company can help reduce the number of rodents in your home by sealing entry points and taking other measures to reduce reproduction. Of special note to parents and pet owners, Alder Pest Control uses chemicals that are safe for the rest of your family. Technicians are further trained in protocols specific to each pest control job.

Termites are not as active as cockroaches and rodents during the winter, but preventative pest control is the best medicine here. In Bentonville, the moderate climate means that some of the 2800 termites species may never burrow underground. These wood-destroying insects can eat at the foundation and frame of your home, and they will often bore holes in walls and furniture.

Regardless of what type of pest you are trying to keep at bay, DIY pest control methods aren’t always enough. Although trimming vegetation to more than 20 inches from your home’s foundation, putting food away at night, keeping the house clean, and eliminating dark, damp areas where bugs can hide will help, only a professional will know which species are waiting for you to let your guard down.

Alder Pest Control has experts ready to help with your nuisance issues year round. Call 479-802-0087 for your appointment.

Integrity Crane And Hoist Answers Questions About The Overhead Crane Inspection Process

Integrity Crane and HoistWhile companies using cranes for years are fairly well-versed in their upkeep and maintenance, Integrity Crane And Hoist says that it takes time to fully get up to speed on the process. Many new crane owners are not, and they have lots of questions. Today, the experts from ICH answered a few of these for the absolute beginner.

Q: Why should I have an overhead crane inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Safety is the obvious first answer, but another important reason: it’s required. OSHA mandates that all in-service crane and hoist systems be inspected at least once each year. This is because everyday wear and tear can have a significant impact on components, many of which you can’t see with just a casual visual inspection. Failure of any of these parts puts your team at risk and can lead to expensive lawsuits as well as reputation damage for your company.

Q: Who should perform these inspections?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: All crane inspectors, according to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, must have no less than 2000 hours of hands-on, direct experience in the repair, maintenance, service, and modification of cranes and hoists. Anyone performing an overhead crane inspection must also be trained in local, state, and federal codes, documentation processes, industry terminology, and safety and design standards.

Q: When is the best time to have my crane and its components inspected?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your first overhead crane inspection takes place at installation. OSHA 1910.179 mandates that this equipment is compliant with the provisions put forth in that section. Some machinery also requires a load test. During this, your crane inspector will test your equipment load rating (at no more than 80% of its maximum). All findings during this and subsequent inspections must be logged and signed by the inspector.

Q: Why am I required to perform a visual inspection before each shift?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: A functional test inspection also keeps you in compliance with OSHA standards. This is a visual assessment that looks for maladjustment, leakages, deterioration, excessive wear, distortion, hook deformation, and other issues that would render your equipment potentially dangerous.

Q: What is the difference between a frequent inspection and a periodic inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your initial test and daily examinations are not the only types of inspection your machines need. Frequent inspections may happen weekly or monthly, and the frequency of which depends on how you use your equipment and what’s listed on its paperwork. Periodic inspections are also equipment-dependent, but these are typically performed quarterly. Each of these looks for malfunctions, but your periodic inspections go a bit further by testing the electrical components, checking for corrosion, and evaluating the overall condition of the brake system.

If you still have questions, your overhead crane inspection professional at Integrity Crane And Hoist can walk you through the process. Our dedicated staff is fully trained and committed to helping you create a safer working environment for your employees.

Integrity Crane And Hoist is a leader in the material handling industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, our team can handle repairs and testing, maintenance, and upgrades.

5 Facts About Mold That Might Surprise You

Rytech NashvilleIf you’re a Nashville homeowner reeling from the effects of water damage in your property, you’re likely to be familiar with mold. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also affect your home’s structural integrity and cause potential health risks like allergies and respiratory ailments. Here are five mold facts that you should know.

  • There are two mold states.

Experts estimate that there are over 100,000 mold species, and these have two states: viable and non-viable. Likely, mold is active and growing; it is in an environment where it can thrive and spread. While non-viable mold is no longer active due to a lack of food source or moisture, it can still release spores into the air that can spread throughout your home.

  • You can forego mold testing.

Some homeowners believe that any mold should be tested for proper identification and confirm if it can cause property damage. However, the mold remediation professionals at Rytech Nashville should remove any type of mold immediately; prior testing is no longer necessary. 

  • Water damage is not the only cause of mold growth.

While water damage is one of the most common causes of mold growth, addressing this will not guarantee a mold-free home. Poor ventilation and humidity is another factor that can encourage mold to thrive. Consider the kitchen, bathroom, and basement as mold hotspots because these are naturally humid environments.

  • Mold has no odor

You’ve probably heard that mold has a musty and earthy smell – it’s the mold byproduct that is causing the odor. As it digests the surface that it has taken hold of, The fungus releases odors and toxins.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting your home won’t be good enough.

Mold removal is not a simple DIY project you can do over the weekend. Yes, you can clean and disinfect surfaces, but this won’t address the root cause of your mold problem. Most of the mold will be in hard-to-reach areas like crevices, cracks, and interior walls. Moreover, in trying to get rid of mold, you might inadvertently release mold spores throughout your property. It’s best to work with mold remediation and water damage professionals like Rytech Nashville to remove any mold growth safely.

Rytech Nashville has been providing effective mold remediation and water damage solutions to residents of Middle Tennessee and its surrounding areas since 1995. IICRC-certified technicians will recommend a plan of action to remove the mold and cut off sources of moisture causing it. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.

Rytech Nashville is a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. The company has reached exponential growth from its humble beginnings in one location and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information

How Do You Maintain An Overhead Crane?

Integrity Crane and Hoist
Integrity Crane and Hoist

Having a proactive and customized overhead crane inspection and preventive maintenance program is essential to workplace safety and productivity. This article aims to answer frequently asked questions on overhead crane and hoist inspection, repair, and maintenance.  

Q: Why is it important to have an overhead crane inspection and preventive maintenance plan in place?

A: Having regular inspections and preventive maintenance activities helps identify potential risk areas and reduces downtime while supporting compliance requirements. Moreover, keeping overhead crane and hoist systems safe for daily use is a more cost-efficient option to lawsuits, medical expenses, and the tedious administrative work related to finding a replacement for an injured employee. 

Q: How often should overhead crane and hoist systems be inspected?

A: Routine overhead crane and hoist inspections are a must regardless of their condition because of the work they complete (i.e., lifting loads in varying sizes and weights). There are four inspection categories: Initial, Functional, Frequent, and Periodic.

The initial inspection is conducted after the installation of a new crane or hoist, or after the equipment has been reinstalled after alteration, modification, or repair.

Functional inspections must be done before every shift.

Frequent inspections should include all aspects of the functional inspection, paying extra attention to the hoist brake, wire rope, and load chain. The inspector must be on the lookout for any unusual sounds. The hook and latch must be inspected as well. A crane that operates under “normal service” should be inspected monthly; a crane in “heavy service” should be inspected weekly to monthly, and a crane in “severe service” should be inspected daily to weekly.

Under periodic inspections, cranes used for “normal service” and “heavy service” should be inspected yearly while cranes in “severe service” should be inspected quarterly. 

Q: How do you inspect an overhead crane?

A: Check crane and hoist components for signs of malfunction, deterioration, and everyday wear and tear. Functional operating mechanisms, hydraulic and air system components, and crane hooks must be inspected daily, before starting each shift.

  • Functional operating mechanisms – Check for maladjustment
  • Hydraulic and air system components – Inspect valves, lines, tanks, drain pumps, and other components for deterioration or deficiency
  • Crane hooks – Check for cracks and signs of deformation.

Inspect rope and end connections as well as hoist chains and end connections every month.

  • Rope and end connections –  Check broken strands or signs of wear and tear
  • Hoist chains and end connections – Are there signs of distortion or anything else that might hinder it from functioning properly?

All findings must be documented in detail so you can have an accurate record of the overhead crane’s maintenance history.

Q: What’s the difference between corrective and preventive maintenance? 

A: Corrective maintenance is done when there is equipment failure or malfunction. Examples of corrective maintenance procedures include retrofits and customizations.

Preventive maintenance, on the other hand, involves taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents or equipment failures even before these happen.  

You’ll need to do both at some point. Integrity Crane and Hoist recommends having a highly trained team of professionals to complete these tasks.

Working out of Columbia, Tennessee, Integrity Crane and Hoist is a full-service overhead crane and hoisting equipment company that designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, modifies, modernizes, and load tests industrial bridge cranes, gantry cranes, ergonomic workstations, runway systems, monorails, power systems, and control panels. They also perform inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance for all types and brands of cranes, hoists, vacuum filters, and below-the-hook lifting devices. Get in touch today to learn more.

Call Integrity Crane and Hoist at (615) 302-3431 for more information.

Is it time? When to replace your garage door.

Franklin Door and DockKnowing when to replace your garage door can be difficult to determine. Frequently, clients have determined that they need to replace their entire door, which can be expensive, but that is not the most economical solution.

We want to help you know when you need to replace your garage door, or when it may be an issue that can be easily repaired. Knowing the difference could save you a lot of money!

Time to Diagnose. 

Garage Door Malfunctioning Opener

Have you ever been rushing up the stairs with a ton of groceries, clicking the button to close the garage door – and it makes about ten different noises, and then never closes? Or while sitting inside, you hear a loud bang come from the garage? How about you go into your garage and the door looks unbalanced in the opening? These are common malfunctions that we repair on a regular basis.

Loud, Obnoxious, and a Fixable Garage Door 

We all get annoyed and even embarrassed when we’re watching the door slowly go down while almost screaming for the entire neighborhood to hear. This could be an issue with a loose chain in the garage door operator.

Thankfully, this issue is easy to fix for us! Call us and we will head on over to make sure that loud noise is silenced.

It can be very frustrating when your garage door just doesn’t do what you are trying to get it to do. Close? Nope, it stays open. Open? Stays closed or takes forever to open. These common problems are sometimes caused by installation errors or just normal wear on some parts.

Safety comes first. 

Have you ever been about to leave for work and notice your garage door was open the whole night? Thankfully, no one stole anything from you, but they easily could have. Garages doors provide safety and security for your home and family, so it’s important to keep your doors in excellent condition.

We are here for you, whether it’s just a small repair or a complete garage door replacement, let’s talk about what the best option is for you! 

Located in Franklin, TN – Franklin Door and Dock offers garage door repair for any of your needs. These issues are to be handled with care, expertise, and to save money. If you are located near Franklin, TN give Franklin Door and Dock a call to see how we can cater to your needs, budget, and desires! Call us at 615-857-3667 or visit our website: https://franklindooranddock.com/

How To Style Your Bookcases and Shelves

The Linen DuckAre your bookcases and shelves currently functional and fashionable, or are they a catch-all for the things that don’t have a home? More often than not, it’s the latter. Luckily, styling bookcases and shelves only takes a short amount of time and effort and creates a huge impact on your home’s overall look and feel.

The Linen Duck, a boutique furniture store offering interior design services in Nashville TN, shares tips on how you can take the existing items in your home and transform your bookcases and shelves from boring to chic in just a few hours.

Clear, clean, and sort

As with any styling project, remove everything from the area before you begin. Clear the bookcases and shelves and sort the items into separate piles. Give everything a good dusting.

Sort items into three main categories: books and magazines, decor and photo frames, and greenery and plant life. Let go of all the other items that don’t fit in these categories or find it a new home. Remember, a place for everything, and everything in its place. Loose paper, gloves or scarves, and gadgets should be stored in their rightful places.

Choose your color palette and aesthetic

Color palettes and aesthetics can be interpreted in different ways. A color palette in navy, blush, and ivory, for example, could be styled as French country, farmhouse chic, or ultra-modern. Be deliberate with the design style you want to create.

Having selected two to three main colors and a design style, find several pieces in at least one of your chosen colors to represent the following textures or finishes: fabric or natural fiber, nature (pine cones, dried grasses, florals, greenery, etc.), metals (bronze, stainless, rose gold, etc.) and glass (clear, mosaic, or ceramic).

Have fun and see what works

While the curation process is the same, styling your bookcases and shelves is different from the way you’d style a coffee table.

Place your items next to each other and take a step back. Do these items flow together? Edit out items that look out of place. Take an item from each of the categories mentioned earlier and make odd-numbered groups. Place each group of items on its own shelf.

Look at your shelf or bookcase objectively. You may need to shift a few pieces here and there or adjust the spacing. Either way, your bookcases and shelves are now a showcase of your tasteful curation skills, and you didn’t have to buy anything new. 

Do you need decorating advice not just for your bookcases and shelves but your entire home as well? The Linen Duck offers interior design services in Nashville TN or for anyone in surrounding areas. Sit down with one of our in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a space you are working on. We will review your room measurements, color swatches, fabrics, etc. to make sure you are on track. Please book this complimentary service at least 3-5 days in advance. 

Schedule your next project or refer us to a friend. Call us at (931) 548-2422 or visit our website to learn more.

9 Reasons Why You Should Work With A Telecom Consultant

Pivotel Networks

For business owners, working with telecommunication providers is painful but necessary. Most people struggle to decipher “tech-speak” to try and understand the best solution for their unique challenges and business needs. It can be so overwhelming that business owners are often tempted to give up and just say ‘yes’ to any proposal that seems to fit.

This is where a telecom consultant like Pivotel Networks comes in. At Pivotel, we evaluate your business requirements and match these with customized solutions that fit your needs. Moreover, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our customers and will help resolve issues as they arise in an efficient and timely manner.

Here are 9 more reasons why you should consider using us as your telecommunications consultant:

  1. Customized solutions. We will design solutions based on industry trends and best practices, ensuring that you receive the best solution possible.
  2. Carrier neutrality. We can work with various providers, allowing us to offer excellent solutions options from different carriers.
  3. Implementation assistance. We will assist you in integrating these new solutions into your work environment.
  4. Billing audit. We will provide a billing audit to make sure that everything has been billed accordingly. 
  5. Customer care. Get help with escalations. Need help in escalating an issue or ticket? We can help to escalate tickets until they are resolved.
  6. Budget management. Work with us to find a solution that’s well within your budget.
  7. Circuit Inventory. We will keep track of all your circuits so you don’t have to.
  8. Support. We provide technical support as needed.
  9. Infrastructure analysis. We will audit your current communications infrastructure and determine if you are utilizing the best and the most cost-effective solution for your business.

Should you decide to partner with us, we’ll begin with an in-depth analysis of your current infrastructure. We’ll then identify the pain points that need to be addressed. As a telecom consultant and business phone systems expert, we can present options from different carriers and provide unbiased advice on which solutions best fit the nature of your business and budget.

Based in Nashville and serving Middle Tennessee, business phone systems expert Pivotel Networks strives to be your advocate and ally in an ever-changing world of telecommunications and technology. Get in touch by calling (615) 499-7900.