Development of a Graduate-Level Curriculum in Assistive Technology: A Three-Year Progress Report
By Lenker, James A.; RESNA 2001: Annual Conference Proceedings, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 199-201Publication Date: June 2001
Paper discusses the developmental status of a graduate program in Assistive Technology (AT). The initial goal of the program was to offer a graduate-level curriculum in AT that would appeal to clinicians from multiple disciplines. The curriculum included six courses: (1) Computer Access I, (2) Computer Access II, (3) Ergonomics and Job Accommodation, (4) AT Outcomes Measures, (5) Wheeled Mobility and Seating, and (6) Rehabilitation Environments. The faculty roster included three instructors from the Department of Occupational Therapy and one from an AT service delivery clinic. A mix of instructional methods were employed, including didactic lecture, interactive class discussions of research articles, student presentations of projects, and lab experiments that focused on exposure to AT devices. Examples of assignments included critiques and suggestions for improvement of existing adaptive computer software, and a written critique of clinically-based outcome studies from research literature. The paper discusses an evaluation of the program, including self-identified strengths, areas of needed improvement, and a reflective view of challenges.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
ISBN: 0-932101-43-7
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O14194
