Become an Assistive Technology Consultant
Assistive technology (AT) is adaptive equipment used by disabled persons for the purpose of performing daily tasks. There are many different types of disabilities, and there are equally variant assistive technologies, purposed to suit many different needs. An assistive technology consultant works to provide those in need with appropriate adaptive equipment, and may work in a number of different capacities. Follow these steps to become an assistive technology consultant.
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Steps
- Get an education. Consultants generally have bachelors degrees in a related discipline, then go on to pursue an advanced education in assistive technology. Degrees in education, rehabilitation, special education, education/rehabilitation technology or therapy (physical, occupational, or speech) are all appropriate starting points for someone hoping to move into assistive technology. Advanced education options include:
- Masters degrees in AT and/or rehabilitation engineering (RE). Many universities offer these programs.
- Certificate programs in either assistive technology or rehabilitative technology. Technical schools often offer certificate programs such as these.
- Workshops and seminars. These continuing education courses enable assistive technology consultants to stay abreast of trends in adaptive equipment.
- Choose a specialty. Learn as much as you can about the many different assistive technology products and devices. Depending on your specialty of choice, you will need to understand how several different assistive technologies operate, and how they can be integrated into different environments.
- Mobility devices. These allow disabled persons to move as independently as possible, and include things like wheelchairs, walkers and special bicycles.
- Ease of access equipment. This type of adaptive equipment makes the environment handicap-accessible, and includes things like gate controls, ramps, electronic switches and automatic door openers.
- Daily living aids. These make daily tasks like brushing teeth, eating and getting dressed easier.
- Listening assistance. These devices are for the hearing impaired, and include hearing aids and closed captioning.
- Alternative communication equipment. Disabled people who are unable to speak may use this type of assistive technology to communicate. Picture boards and voice output devices fall into this category.
- Software. Computer programs may be used to help the learning disabled, or those with certain sensory disabilities.
- Positioning safety and comfort devices. These include adjustable chairs, tables, propping wedges and straps.
- Adaptive equipment for vehicles. Vehicle adaptations make it possible for the disabled to be as mobile as possible. These include wheelchair lifts, ramps, tie-downs and adaptive pedals.
- Visual aids. Bold print, audio books, magnifiers and Braille readers are all designed to help those with visual impairments.
- Seek employment. Assistive technology consultants work in a variety of environments, and may be employees or business owner/operators. Here are places that need assistive technology consultants on a regular basis:
- School systems. Government regulations require that schools provide adaptive equipment to accommodate handicapped students' needs.
- Assistive technology manufacturers. Companies that produce assistive technologies need representatives to promote and distribute their products and educate clients on proper usage.
- Consulting firms. Businesses that consult other businesses and institutions on handicap accessibility issues need assistive technology consultants who can educate others as to available adaptive equipment, regulations governing accessibility and proper usage of assistive technology.
- Therapists. Physical, speech and occupational therapists need adaptive equipment, and work with assistive technology consultants on a regular basis to provide their clients with appropriate assistive devices.
Tips
- There are a number of online training programs and courses designed to help you meet your advanced education requirements in order to become an assistive technology consultant. You can find a list of these programs on the REATSNA website.
- The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (REATSNA) maintains a comprehensive database of information related to the field of assistive technology, and is a great resource for those looking to break into the field.
