[Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute

Tue Aug 12 19:19:12 UTC 2014

Thanks for that information. I haven't yet decided whether I want to go into the blindness field as an AT trainer or a TVI, but either way I will need at least a degree. The difference is that certification is required for TVI's.

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: Wayne Merritt [mailto:wcmerritt at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 3:15 PM
To: Nusbaum, Christopher
Cc: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] Access Technology Institute

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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