[Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute

[Wayne Merritt]

This is the problem in the AT industry, there is not one central
certification to rule them all. The certificate from the Access
Technology Institute is very good, though the program is expensive and
takes about 9 months to complete. In addition, there may be individual
certifications from certain companies, like the JAWS Certification
from Freedom Scientific. Add to this that each state's VR agency may
have their own set of standards for trainers in their state, which
probably differs from state to state. I would say to start out with
your state's VR agency and whatever their certification standards are,
and branch out from there. Also, note that to be an AT trainer, you
don't always need a certification. The AT trainer field is not like
the K-12 teachers, who definitely need certification before they step
foot in a classroom. Rather, AT trainers need time, experience,
willingness to learn new things and adapt, ability to work with and
teach others, and a good personality to go along with it. Any
certifications you gain along the way is a bonus.

Just my thoughts,
Wayne Merritt, Teacher
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center
Austin, TX

On 8/12/14, Nusbaum, Christopher <canusba at carrollk12.org> wrote:
> All:
>
> I am a high school student who is interested in going into the AT training
> field. It seems from the discussion here that there are many certifications
> to choose from for people in our field. Is there one which is any more
> respected than the rest by employers? Which certification do you think I
> should pursue?
>
> Chris
>
> Christopher A. (Chris) Nusbaum, Intern
> Technology Services Department
> Assistive Technology Program
> Carroll County Public Schools
> Phone: (410) 751-3428
> Cell: (443) 547-2409
> Email: canusba at carrollk12.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Trainer-talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> Wayne Merritt via Trainer-talk
> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 2:36 PM
> To: Bryan Schulz; List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute
>
> Hi. AS others have said, I don't know of any employers that require this
> certification, but it certainly does not hurt to have in your toolbox and
> list of certifications. I know a few people that have this certification and
> I can tell that they are certified due to the high quality of their
> training. I would think that you could use this as a selling point to
> potential employers, after you have obtained the certification of course.
>
> Best regards,
> Wayne Merritt
>
> On 8/9/14, Bryan Schulz via Trainer-talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> hi,
>>
>> I would like to hear if you are also in favor of requiring the all
>> purpose
>> A+ benchmark?
>> Bryan Schulz
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Michael D. Barber via Trainer-talk" <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> To: "'Fred Wurtzel'" <f.wurtzel at att.net>; "'List for teachers and
>> trainers of adaptive technology'" <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2014 7:28 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute
>>
>>
>>> Hi:  I do not know of any employers who require this certification.
>>> However, I would be in favor of it.  Perhaps you should contact
>>> CathyAnne Murtha and ask if she knows of such a list.
>>>
>>> Cordially,
>>> Michael D. Barber
>>> (515) 771-8348
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Trainer-talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> Of Fred Wurtzel via Trainer-talk
>>> Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2014 6:27 AM
>>> To: nickwilcox_2000 at msn.com; 'List for teachers and trainers of
>>> adaptive technology'
>>> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute
>>>
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I do know that another blind person in Flint has received this service.
>>>
>>> Warmest Regards,
>>>
>>> Fred
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Trainer-talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> Of
>>> nickwilcox_2000--- via Trainer-talk
>>> Sent: Friday, August 08, 2014 11:28 PM
>>> To: trainer-talk at nfbnet.org; cathy at blindtraining.com
>>> Subject: [Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute
>>>
>>> I would like to know if any employers require Access Technology
>>> Institute certification as a requirement for obtaining employment?
>>> My state agency may be reluctant to pay for the certification so if I
>>> could get a list of employers that require this it might be helpful.
>>>
>>>    Nick
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
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>
>
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