IMPORTANT NOTE:
The RET Graduate Certificate Program currently suspended due to lack of funding.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
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How to Reach Us:
The RET Training Project is designed as a one-year Graduate Certificate program for people interested in the field of assistive technology used by people with disabilities. We provide a broad introduction to the field, while allowing students to pursue specific areas of interest. The program is an interdisciplinary effort bringing together counselors, engineers, and technologists in a common course of study. Students in the RET program have typically come from diverse backgrounds. In addition to people with formal training in engineering and counseling, the RET program has included physical and occupational therapists, nurses, skilled craftspeople, inventors, teachers and others wanting to expand their knowledge and practical skills in this field.
The material learned through this program can serve as a solid foundation for those eager to design or work with adaptive technology tools. It can round out the training for people wanting to work in allied fields such as rehabilitation counseling or special education. It can also enhance the professional competence of a person with complementary training or skills, such as an occupational or physical therapist. A major challenge for all assistive technology professionals is the rapid rate of change in technologies and products. Therefore, while we will present an overview of current devices and practices, our curriculum will particularly stress the problem solving, decision-making, and product-selection process, within the context of a consumer-focused service delivery team.
A high level of technical knowledge is not required for participation in this program, although a facility for-or an interest in learning about-working with tools and materials is beneficial. We focus on applications of currently-available technology and do not spend time on such topics as the circuit-level design of high-tech devices. People primarily interested in research and development have combined our program with more advanced training at other universities. Besides the possession of a Bachelors Degree, the main admission requirements are a serious interest in the field, demonstrated aptitude, and an openness to working cooperatively and learning from others. To ensure a quality program and a low student-faculty ratio, only a limited number of students are admitted to the certificate program each year.
Historically students have taken the Certificate program as part of an M.S. in Engineering, an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling or an M.A. Special Major in Rehabilitation Technology. This has helped assure appropriate qualifications and post-graduation employability. People with professional licenses or a BS in Engineering can earn the certificate without planning for a Masters degree.
The RET program is a demanding one and a high level of participation is expected of all our students. Our experience indicates that students working full time are likely to have difficulty keeping up with the class work unless the study is extended over a greater length of time. One year of financial support is available to a select number of students planning to work in the rehabilitation technology or counseling fields.
The faculty and staff of the RET Training Project are committed to providing a comprehensive and quality introduction to the field of adaptive technology. Opportunities for gaining experience in clinical and service-delivery settings are built into the program through an internship segment. Students work in teams with people with disabilities and their families to devise solutions to difficult problems. The program has gained a wide reputation for its consumer-driven approach to service-delivery, hands-on approach to learning, emphasis on developing creativity and problem solving skills, and appreciation for appropriate and low-technology design solutions. In past years students in the program have won numerous design awards and many graduates are currently employed in some aspect of the rehabilitation field. (Back to Top of Page)
The guiding philosophy of the RET program is a consumer-based approach to design and service delivery. This involves a conviction that the disabled consumer of adaptive technology is the best "expert" regarding his or her needs and desires and, as such, should be an important member of the design team. Ideally, the professional should act as a consultant to the consumer who is, to the greatest extent possible, in control of the service delivery process. This is a conscious rejection of the traditional medical model of service delivery in which the professional is singularly responsible for solving a "patient's" problem. Not only is the medical model less empowering to the consumer, but frequently the results are not successful. When the decision maker does not have to live with the technological devices, the chosen technology is often ineffective because the choice does not fully incorporate the consumer's job, home environment, lifestyle or preferences.
It is only through comfortable, respectful and aware relationships with people with disabilities that technologists and counselors are likely to contribute effectively to the field of assistive technology application and design. Throughout the program, students interact with a variety of disabled consumers and professionals in educational, clinical and service delivery settings. (Back to Top of Page)
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications will receive serious consideration. We have a particular
interest in recruiting people with disabilities into this project. We also
encourage women and people of color to apply.
If you are interested in joining our project, see our Application
Information or contact us and we will send an application pack. Some
of the materials we will request of you include transcripts from previously-attended
colleges or universities, three letters of recommendation, and a statement
of purpose reflecting professional goals, experience and commitment. Please
feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email: Ray Grott