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Kirk D. Behnke, M.Ed., ATP & Mike Marotta, ATP
Center on Disabilities, CSUN
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8340
(818) 677-2578 v/tty
(818) 677-4929 fax
email: ctrdis@csun.edu
webpage: http://www.csun.edu/codtraining
Come join us to explore the exciting assistive technology (AT) training opportunities available nationally through the Center on Disabilities at CSUN. We will present information on our 100 hour certificate program, the "Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP),"currently with over 1200 graduates. We will also discuss our Symposium Series on Assistive Technology to be held in Chicago in June this year and our customized workshops where we can tailor a workshop to fit your AT training needs. Professional development qualifications and current trends in certificate workshops will be briefly discussed.
Participants will:
With the need for knowledgeable Assistive Technology service providers growing, the Center on Disabilities is proud to offer two exciting in-depth training opportunities: the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) and the Symposium Series on Assistive Technology.
The proliferation of the Internet and technology is enabling Assistive Technology Service Providers to access a world of information and provide enhanced services to their consumers. Now entering the sixth year of delivery, the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) is proving to be an innovative approach to acquiring PRACTICAL training through a program which combines on-line asynchronous learning, live training and a self directed final project. Once completed, the person obtains a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications and University validation of their skills.
In order to receive a certificate in AT applications, various strategies, materials and venues needed to be adapted and developed in order to present a well-rounded training program in all areas of Assistive Technology. The fifty-two hours of on-line instruction were developed for many reasons: 1) to increase the convenience 2) to decrease the amount of structured class time and 3) to set a level playing field for the 40-hour live training.
Specific content of the curriculum was transposed from a live training medium into an on-line learning experience through the use of various tools such as general information sharing through use of tech points and case studies, supplemental readings, web research, field trips, and on-line information sharing among fellow participants.
The program is considered an in-service training for professionals active in the field. In keeping with the PRACTICAL aspect of the course, emphasis is placed on active participation rather than passive learning. There are no tests in the course. Instead, participants complete "Applications Exercises" in order to apply the information presented. Participants can choose from a variety of tasks, which include answering a question regarding the information provided, completing a related field trip experience, or conducting research related to the topics presented.
As part of the 100-hour certificate program and upon completion of both online and live instruction, participants demonstrate course competency through a required final project. Participants draw upon skills and knowledge obtained during both online and live instructional environments. Final projects specifically focus on meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities and/or an organization that serves them.
Some of the specific skills and knowledge participants draw upon include the ability to:
* Identify a wide range of applications for Assistive
Technology in the home, school, work place and community
environments
* Address the needs of person with disabilities through a
collaborative team approach
* Acquire resources available to support Assistive Technology
devices and services
Since 1997, the Center on Disabilities has been offering its "Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP)" all over the country and abroad. We have listened to the needs of our 900+ graduates of this program and have developed the "Symposium Series on Assistive Technology." This program was developed to address the need for more advanced, in-depth training in specific areas of Assistive Technology.
This series of workshops will address specialized areas of AT through in-depth one and two day training workshops. The participant can customize their training experience by combining various sessions to best meet their training needs. Previous topics have included:
* Integrating AT into Educational Settings
* Integrating AT into Vocational Settings
* AT Assessment
* Computer Access
* Assistive Technology for Students with Cognitive & Learning
Disabilities
* Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Customized Assistive Technology Workshops to meet your specific AT training needs
Customized training workshops can be made available to your organization or agency, as well as consultation services from our nationally known training staff and consultants. These workshops can range from a semi-customized 100-hour Certificate program to a three day workshop on a specific area of AT to match your AT training needs.
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