What is the ATACP?
Whether you are new to the field of AT or consider yourself a veteran there is always something new to learn in the world of assistive technology. One way that you can continue to challenge yourself is by obtaining more education about the subject. You can do this by attending trainings, collaborating with peers and good old fashioned learning by doing.
The Center on Disabilities at the California State University at Northridge offers the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program. This program has been in existence for over ten years and boasts over 2,500 graduates. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications with 10 CEUs from California State University, Northridge's College of Extended Learning and the Center on Disabilities.
The certificate gained through the ATACP should not be confused with a certification, which requires a different process and preparation requirements. Check out http://resna.org/certifications/becoming-certified-atp-sms-ret for more information on AT certifications.
The ATACP is an opportunity to expand your knowledge base about the world of AT and meet other professionals in the field. Trainings are offered throughout the year in a convenient distance learning model that involves online and in-person training. Being a part of this program is yet another opportunity to meet other professionals, ask questions and offer solutions to others.
LaCandice and I are currently going through the program and just completed the in-person portion at the recent CSUN conference in San Diego. Taking this course has been my first experience with taking an online course, and it has been very interesting. I appreciated being able to learn each section at my own pace, but I am also very grateful for the in-person interaction we were able to take part in. Next up for both of us is a project focusing on any aspect of the AT field we choose, which could be anything from developing an innovative workshop on some new or unexplored AT or helping an individual obtain the right AT device. Whatever we decide to work on, the AT Network will benefit from all that we’ve learned throughout the program.
Learn more about the ATACP at the Cal State Northridge Center for Disabilities website:
Have any of you gone through the ATACP? What other opportunities for professional networking or learning are you aware of? If you have participated in any programs, what did you get out of being involved?
Written by Mazuri Colley, Information & Assistance Advocate
I took the ATACP training back in 2004, and it was a good overview of assistive technology. The instructors were great and it was a good networking opportunity.
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