I’ve mentioned several times through social media that I’ve been taking some summer courses. You all keep asking for more details so I wanted to share those with you!
I’m currently pursuing an Assistive Technology Certificate from Bowling Green State University. I was looking for a way to earn graduate level hours to move across the pay-scale in my district. I wanted to make those hours count and not just do 15 random hours about technology or education in general. I’m excited that even though my primary motivation is earn hours for class change, I’m learning valuable skills that will benefit my students immediately.
So here are the details! 15 credit hours. All coursework in online.
To obtain the BGSU Certificate in Assistive Technology, participants in this program take five graduate-level courses developed to provide the skills needed to help meet the assistive technology needs of individuals with special needs, and to work effectively with parents, teachers, professionals and school districts that are seeking to introduce assistive technologies into multiple environments.
EDIS 6400 Introduction to Assistive Technology (3)
EDIS 6410 Assessment Processes for Assistive Technology (3)
EDIS 6420 Implementation Strategies for Assistive Technology (3)
EDIS 6430 Integrating and Managing Assistive Technology in the Classroom (3)
One other elective will also be selected.
Detailed information is available here from BGSU.
This semester I’m taking the AT in the classroom and Intro to AT. I think the biggest areas of growth and learning include information about the laws related to IEPs and AT. I also wasn’t very familiar with AT in terms of vision, mobility, positioning, and other areas. The introduction class has taught me a lot about some of the tools available.
The activities have been very functional which is something I value as a working clinician. This week we had to pick an AT device and look at the details like we were purchasing one for our district. We could pick any AT device we were interested in. Info to research included: warranty, tech support, training, return policy, loaner devices, reading the manual, etc. I picked the PRC Accent 1400 and thought it was a great way to make sure you’re covering your bases before spending $8,000 on a device for your student.
Edit: An SLP asked me about the workload and if it is manageable. Right now, in the summer I think the workload for two classes is manageable. I would say I spend 3-6 hours per week working on it. The bulk of the work is due on Sunday each week, although there are assignments due throughout the week sometimes. In most cases the work is reading, reading quizzes, activity sets (that include researching AT devices or watching videos and then answering questions) and lots of discussion boards with classmates. In the fall, there are two classes but they run for concurrent 8-week spans. So I will do one class for 8 weeks followed by another class for 8 weeks. I’ll still complete two classes in the semester but don’t have to take them at the same time which I hope makes it do-able with a full time job.
My school provides some tuition reimbursement but it is still a big investment into my future. Just when I thought I was done with midterms and finals…. I sign up for something like this! Never say never!
Have you done an AT class or program? Leave me a comment or connect on social media! I’d love to hear about it.
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Hey! I just finished a course at a school in BG as well– Western KY University. I took a class to get my Rank I certificate! Hooray for continuing education!
Actually BGSU is in Ohio 🙂 It’s in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Wow Jenna,
You continue to impress with me with how you strive to continually learn and set goals for yourself to achieve. I know in Canada there is a need for expert advice on recommending ACC devices and for showing others better ways to utilize these devices. ACC is sometimes discussed on SLP Twitter chats and colleagues enjoy learning from AAC specialists.
I myself took online courses on Motivational Interviewing years ago, as per a great recommendation from one of my professors. These courses were very affordable and excellent for learning about ways to connect with parents, especially if they were unsure about SLP services for their child. ~Keri
Do they have other certificate courses?
Hi, I did a master in Special Ed. Focus in AT and was a great experience to do it. I recommend it cause teachers are so helpful and I can use my knowledge every day with my students. Thanks
Norma F.
I received my AT certificate through Cal State University Northridge in 2011 and a High-Incidence AT certificate through the Diagnostic Center of LA. Like you I wanted to love over on the pay scale. I was also working in a school for the orthopedically handicapped so there was definitely a need to learn more about AT and AAC. It has been such a joy to be able to assess, recommend and implement devices for students who precious had no way to communicate effectively. I’m excited for you!
Did your program teach a lot about AAC for autism?
Did Cal State University teach you a lot about AAC?
I am looking into this program as well, more for knowledge than any kind of advancement. I feel that AT/AAC is not a strength of mine and I want to be able to assist some of my kids more than I am able to currently. I saw on the initial page of the program that it is completed in 1 year with 15 credits. But then looking into it more, I thought I read it was 2 years. Can you confirm the order of classes you did and the amount of time spent? Thanks!
This sounds very interesting. Has anyone found any financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc. for this type of certificate?
Hi! I’m currently enrolled in the certificate program for AT at Bowling Green State University through the online learning. I completed my 1st 8 weeks and start my second 8 weeks on Monday. I was looking ahead to spring and know I need to take an elective. I was curious what elective you chose?
Hi Nikki! I took one about technology in the classroom and I thought it was terrible. I wouldn’t recommend it! I hope you can find one that will help you learn something new!
Hi Jenna!! I’ve been looking at certificate programs that would be beneficial for my career in the schools as well but have been concerned about cost. How much did this certificate program cost? I’ve found that online courses seem to be quite expensive!
I’m thinking about taking administration courses or counseling courses. I’d love to add a school counseling degree to my resume. Not sure I can take it on.
If you don’t mind me asking, what did the certificate cost?
Clicking on the link showed: Estimate $6,750. I was curious too!
I’m curious. Does this program cover device selection and step-wise instruction for student/client/patient? Or is it more about device acquisition, positioning, modifications in the classroom, etc. I’m very interested in pursuing this, but want to make sure that I’m selecting a path that makes sense for my, relatively, small understanding of AT/AAC facilitation.
Keri Vandongen – where did you take your Motivational interviewing class?
I too received my AT training through Cal State Dominguez Hills. If you can afford a little more outlay of $$$, I would also take the ATP exam through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology society of North America (RESNA). It is the only recognized AT professional certificate. Your coursework should prepare you enough for the exam, which costs $750.
Hello,
I was wondering if you could tell me about the workload in each of the classes at CSUDH? I was thinking about signing up to take the AT courses but did not know if I could handle them while teaching as well.
Thank you,
Thomas
Hi, I am wondering how much of this certificate focuses on AAC for autism? Would it be appropriate for someone who wants to focus their career on using AAC to help autistic children communicate?
Hi, I am doing AT classes at BGSU too.
🙂
Hi Jenna!
I would like to know your feedback about the Assistive Technology Certification. How was your experience? do you recommend it?
Thanks!
Hi Janice! I learned a lot about the laws related the AT. I didn’t learn anything new (except in the self study assignments) about AAC specifically. I’m glad I earned a resume worthy certificate rather than just doing random semesters hours to move up the school pay scale.