AT Training, AT Certificate, and Professional Training
Kern Assistive Technology Center provides individualized training to clients and/or staff who need to learn to use specific software or equipment to be more independent at home, in the community, or at work. We provide the training in the environment that is most appropriate to the client. Some training is done onsite, at our office, or offsite another location in the community (client’s home, jobsite, day program, etc…). Typically clients need help with learning voice recognition software, literacy software, or their AAC device. We can provide a variety of training in house. Occasionally, we will arrange for a vendor to train the client with us (usually if the equipment or software is not familiar to us). The number of hours needed for this training is recommended prior to beginning it.
NEW AT Training Offered
Intro to Assistive Technology 3 1/2 hours This course if required as a pre-requisite to all modules. Intro to principals and practices of Assistive Technology. Includes definition of AT, best practices for service delivery; students try different tools hands on. Discusses differences and similarities between systems.
Instructor: Aaron Markovits
Date: FALL
Time: 8:30am-12:00pm
Module 1-Communication Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It is five half days (3 ½ hours for each session) 17 ½ hours total. This certificate allows participants to apply their knowledge in the instructional setting. Students will learn different systems available and methods to instruct users to begin communicating using a system as language. Covers low tech and high tech solutions. Along with the classes, participants will need to do one case study within an instructional setting. The case study will take up to three hours to apply what they have learned in the classes.
Instructor: Troy Tickle, CCC, SLP
Date: FALL
Must attend all classes to complete module.
Cost: $350 per person
Module 2-AT in the Classroom. This course will require participants to attend a one full-day (7 hours). This module will look at using AT in academic areas (Reading, Writing, Math, and Computer Access) for the classroom. A part of this course will focus on students/adults with hearing/vision disabilities. Assessments will include low tech to high tech devices to aide others with academic areas. Various ways to access a computer will be demonstrated as well (headmouse w/on screen keyboard, switch w/writing software, on screen keyboard with joystick, etc...) Participants will apply what they've learned by performing a five hour assessment in an instructional setting.
Instructor: Cindy Koepp
Date:TBA
Time: 8:30am-3:30pm
Cost: $200 per person
Module 3-Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills The course will require participants to attend a one to 1 ½ day class. The module will teach participants to assist students/adults with disabilities develop handwriting and fine motor skills. This course will cover low tech to high tech devices (e.g. modified keyboard) to assist individuals with varying disabilities. It will also address software that is available to help write (ie Dragon Naturally Speaking) and organize thoughts (ie Solo, and KidSpiration). Participants will need to perform an assessment to be certified (expected to take 5 hours).
Instructor: Teacher or Occupational Therapist with experience in AT.
Cost: $150 per person
Module 4-Seating, Positioning, and Mobility Seating, Positioning, Mobility, and Computer Access will be taught. Different strategies to get people with mobility impairments moving will be discussed as well as proper seating and positioning to provide comfort and posture while maintaining or improving functional living. This course will require a two day class commitment. Participants will be required to perform a five hour assessment.
Instructor: Physical Therapist
Cost: $200 per person
Certificates in each separate module will also be provided.
Individuals can receive training in all modules to become Receive Certificate of AT. $800
This exciting new training format provides for specific training to be received and acknowledged. Certificate is good for specific area(s) taken. To maintain current standing refresher courses must be taken every three years.
For more information call 661-861-1346 or email us.
Professional Trainings
As technology changes and the needs of users change, there is a need for ongoing training and support for the professionals that support them. KATC will help you meet this need by offering trainings onsite at KATC or at your premises provided by local professionals who are familiar with technology available and the population you serve to meet identified needs of your school, business, or organization. From time to time and as appropriate vendors and/or sales representatives of AT companies may be invited in to share their products at KATC. KATC does not sell AT Equipment or Software so we are not bound to any particular agreement that would restrict the products we can train you to use.