[Athen] What's Your Take? AT Certifications in Higher Ed

Nast, Joseph Joseph.M.Nast at lonestar.edu
Mon Jun 5 09:36:27 PDT 2017


Darren Gabbert's definitive 2009 ATHEN E-Journal #44 white paper entitled "Certification and Training Opportunities for Access Technologists in Higher Education: A Survey of Resources" (https://athenpro.org/node/90) concludes:

"From a certification standpoint, we are a people without a country."

Mr. Gabbert's research finds most assistive technology degree programs and certifications emphasize PT\OT, medical, or rehabilitation-centric training. Eight years on, and the casual observer would still be hard pressed to find otherwise.

However, I've noticed that IAAP is now offering CPACC and WAS certifications (http://www.accessibilityassociation.org/certificationapplication). The IAAP is a relatively young organization, but they seem to have put a lot of work into creating industry certifications specifically for web accessibility. Considering the trajectory that many types of compensatory assistive technologies have taken towards mobile and web-based solutions, having this type of certification seems valuable to assistive technologists in higher education.

So what's your take on IAAP's certification offerings and\or the dearth of higher education-focused AT professional training? Considering the not-insignificant costs of testing and\or study materials, is it "worth it" to pursue certs like RESNA's ATP or CSUN's ATACP? Are web accessibility certifications more applicable to post-secondary AT para\professionals?

Thanks for your input!


Joseph M. Nast
Assistive Technology Specialist
Lone Star College Cy Fair Disability Services

Office: CASA 109
Phone: (281) 290-3207

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