[Trainer-talk] College requirements for assistive technologytrainers

[Laine Amoureux]

As everyone else has  indicated, no degrees necessary, in General, for working with the blind or visually impaired population & AT.

Some states require specific certifications, so it all depends on where you want to work, researching the requirements for that area.
 I finish the M.S. In ATHS from Csun this week... The course work is pretty generic, meaning there is no specific AT focus, or emphasis on working with a specific subset of the population of individuals experiencing impairment. It is not required as a prerequisite for any existing assistive technology certification… Like theRESNA ATP or ACTP.
The course work has allowed me to expand my professional network; gain a more solid understanding of the role(s) of other AT providers, like OT, PT, & SLP, and how to communicate more effectively with them while on a team; provided a more thorough understanding of how assistive technology services are acquired and delivered in the educational system; & allowed me to explore new strategies for assisting VR counselors & transition teams create more meaningful AT outcomes. Due  to the generic nature of the courses each student gets to customize their graduate experience… 
HTH    

Laine Amoureux
Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 16, 2014, at 9:56 AM, "Andrews, David B \(DEED\) via Trainer-talk" <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I agree with Wayne -- and I am involved with the certification in Minnesota.  We have no college or course requirements -- applicants must pass our tests and certification process.  Something like a certificate from ATI (assistive technology institute) might help you, and would pass some of the tests automatically.  Computer science might be a help to you -- as might work in the education of adults.  But a college degree, as such isn't necessary.  This might be different in other states.
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Trainer-talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Wayne Merritt via Trainer-talk
> Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 10:28 AM
> To: Nancy Coffman; List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] College requirements for assistive technology trainers
> 
> Getting the degree is one thing; being certified through your state is something else. For the certification requirements, talk with the rehabilitation agency in your region/state. Each state may have their own certification testing and requirements. Having a computer oriented degree is always good, but it is not necessary.
> 
> Hth,
> Wayne
> 
>> On 12/16/14, Nancy Coffman via Trainer-talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> You might check on the Masters program at California State University 
>> Northridge (CSUN).
>> 
>> Nancy Coffman
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Dec 15, 2014, at 9:20 PM, Marianne Denning via Trainer-talk 
>>> <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> There are several different assistive technology areas.  If you want 
>>> to work specificly with people who are blind and visually impaired 
>>> you don't even need a degree.  You could obtain your training through 
>>> several different programs.  If you want to work with other 
>>> disability groups you would need different degrees and training.
>>> 
>>>> On 12/15/14, Bryan Schulz via Trainer-talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> hi,
>>>> 
>>>> You would be fine with any computer science degree as there are no 
>>>> set standards.
>>>> You could gain an understanding by talking with a rehabilitation 
>>>> counselor in your area.
>>>> In my state, the agency didn't even care about microsoft certification.
>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>> 
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser via Trainer-talk"
>>>> <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> To: <Trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 7:21 PM
>>>> Subject: [Trainer-talk] College requirements for assistive 
>>>> technologytrainers
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> Hello list,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi my name is Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser. I am in college studying 
>>>>> to become an assistive technology trainer. What college 
>>>>> requirements do I need for this employment outcome. Feel free to 
>>>>> email me off list at alexander.scott.kaiser at bluebottle.com
>>>>> <mailto:alexander.scott.kaiser at bluebottle.com> , feel free to call 
>>>>> my cellphone at 1.848.205.0208, and call me on skype at 
>>>>> Mister.Alexander.Scott.Kaiser.  Your advice is greatly appreciated.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Mr. Alexander Sccott Kaiser
> 
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