Assistive Technology: UniversityTraining

2011

AT Pre-service Training Three academic courses in assistive technology are taught to regional universities on a yearly basis. They include the following: Pace University 1. The Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.) in Computing for Education Professionals. One course per year is taught to students in these programs. This course is intended to facilitate an understanding of how assistive technologies are used as well as how they function. The emphasis of this course is on determining appropriate technology supports that can be used to increase functioning of school age children with disabilities. The course covers the range of AT supports for children with learning disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, and spelling; access for children with physical disabilities; strategies for children with sensory impairments, and communication options for children with severe expressive communication disorders. Additionally, we will discuss the legal mandates and funding issues. New York Medical College 1. Department of Speech-Language Pathology This course is intended to facilitate an understanding and awareness of the communication options available to individuals who are unable to meet their daily communication needs through natural modes. The emphasis of this course is on designing communication systems and determining appropriate technology supports that can be used to increase communication and daily functioning. The course covers characteristics of congenital and acquired communication disorders; AAC and other assistive technology (AT) options and features; principles of AAC assessment; service delivery models; AAC intervention; funding; and current research in AAC. Course Goals and Objectives: Knowledge Outcomes: These courses are designed to help students achieve the following two goals: 1. Students will have a working knowledge of AT/AAC . The first course goal refers to students' acquisition of knowledge about the field of AT/AAC. Attention is directed toward the various types of AT/AAC and factors considered in making decisions about the use of AT/AAC. 2. Students will be able to make informed decisions regarding appropriate AT/AAC for individuals with varying disabilities. The second course goal refers to students' acquisition of knowledge about the various applications of AT for specific types of disability conditions. Touro College: Masters in Occupational Therapy Program is intended to facilitate an understanding of how assistive technologies are used as well as how they function in an education environment. The emphasis of this course is on determining appropriate technology supports that can be used to increase functioning of school age children with disabilities. The course covers the range of AT supports for children with learning disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, and spelling; access for children with physical disabilities; strategies for children with sensory impairments. Additionally, we will discuss the legal mandates and funding issues.

Assistive Technology

Training Trainees

Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals

None

Mulit-County

N/A