Stakeholders Applaud RESNA Move to Combine ATS/ATP Certifications

ARLINGTON, Va.--After months of discussion and study, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America has rolled out its plan to combine the Assistive Technology Supplier (ATS) and Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) certifications into one.

Unlike the current ATS and ATP designations, the new designation of Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is not tied to a role, but instead “recognizes professionals who have reached an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology and who adhere to RESNA's code of ethics and standards of practice,” according to RESNA officials. The change is effective Jan. 1, 2009.

“RESNA has made this change to clarify the purpose of certification, remove confusion that is caused when certification is tied to roles and to identify a core knowledge base in AT that is common to all individuals working in the service delivery model so that they can consult, refer and work with each other to best serve the needs of the consumer,” said Anjali Weber, the organization's director of certification.

Weber said RESNA will continue its scheduled ATS and ATP exams through the end of the year. Those earning the designations will automatically be transferred to the new designation, she said, and those already holding such certificates will be issued new ones with the redefined ATP designation. No additional testing or fees will be required.

An updated test designed for the new ATP certification will be released in January, and computer-based testing will also be implemented then, according to RESNA.

Assistive technology stakeholders largely applauded the move.

“We are in support of the consolidation. We think it is an appropriate move for the profession and the industry at this point,” said Simon Margolis, executive director of the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers.

He added, “There are going to be people who have reservations and who don't understand it. We have spent the last 13 years working toward role-based certification, so it's difficult to get your arms around.”

However, Margolis continued, NRRTS held a teleconference on the change with Laura Cohen, chair of RESNA's Professional Standards Board, and she was able to address many of the NRRTS members' questions and concerns.

Julie Piriano, director of rehabilitation industry affairs for Pride Mobility Products in Exeter, Pa., also supported the change.