Local Assistive Technology Specialist (LATS) Certificate Program

The LATS Professional Development program certifies you have acquired the competencies necessary to provide appropriate Assistive Technology Services to students with disabilities: (NYS VESID Certification)

• Facilitate IEP teams to use an effective team decision making process to appropriately consider students for their assistive technology needs, resolve computer access issues and reduce potential for costly hearings and litigation.
• Locate and use available local, state and national resources to assist with facilitation.
• Implement selected assistive technology devices and software within the curriculum.
• Over time, apply learned skills to assess student needs and provide a range of assistive technology services in general and special education classrooms.

To demonstrate mastery of course competencies, you will have 10 months to conduct four equipment trials and evaluate their impact, one supervised assessment, 20 hours of online course work and a project that addresses personal and professional goals as well as the District's needs. CEU's are available for this training at a slight additional cost.

At a minimum, each person should have willingness to serve as an AT Resource Person, good interpersonal skills, certification in special education or a related field, a valid email account, comfort with either Windows or Mac operating system, creativity, patience, expertise with some aspect of technology - - and time.

This Training is endorsed and supported by the New York State Education Department Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities Under Technical Assistance Center Contract.

Presenter: David Grapka, TRE Center, Capital Region BOCES (www.trecenter.org)
When: July 21-25, 2008
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Jericho Union Free School District, 99 Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, NY 11753
Fee: $475 per person for all training materials and LATS Certificate

Registration Form (In Word) Registration Form (PDF) For July

Presenter: David Grapka, TRE Center, Capital Region BOCES (www.trecenter.org)
When: Sept 15 – May 15 (one day per month, every other month)
Location: Yorktown Consortium
Fee: $475 per person for all training materials and LATS Certificate

Registration Form (In Word) Registration Form (PDF) For Yorktown

Presenter: Coordinators of TRE Project, Capital Region BOCES
When: October 20-24, 2008
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Maywood School, TRE Center, Albany NY (Directions)
Fee: $ 475 per person for all training materials and LATS Certificate

Registration Form (In Word) Registration Form (PDF) For TRE

Presenter: Coordinators of TRE Project, Capital Region BOCES
When: February 2-6, 2009
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Watertown, NY
Fee: $ 475 per person for all training materials and LATS Certificate

Registration Form (In Word) Registration Form (PDF) For TRE

For information, call Abby Fischer at (518) 464-6346 or Fax registration to (518) 464-6353.

Please specify LATS workshop when faxing or calling. Thank you.

NOTE: Pre-registration is required. Participants will receive notification confirming the workshop. Participants must notify the TRE Center Office of a cancellation at least 48 hours prior to a workshop.

“AAC Institute is maintaining records of this continuing education activity and can provide certificates of participation for licensure and certification maintenance.” AAC Institute, 1022 Heyl Road, Wooster, OH 44691-9786. Tel: (330) 262-1984 x 211; Fax: (330) 263-4846. www.aacinstitute.org

NEW YORK STATE LOCAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete 35 hours of face-to-face instruction that focuses on teambuilding, the assessment process, constructivism, systems change, universal design for learning and a continuum of no tech, low tech, high tech and Web 2.0 tools. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance and may apply for 3.5 CEU’s from the AAC Institute (www.aacinstitute.org)

2. Submit a Project Proposal two weeks after completion of the face-to-face training.

3. Complete 20 hours of online instruction including participation in a LATS Yahoo Group on the topics of: AT: A Family Affair & Funding Selected Devices.

4. Conduct one comprehensive assessment, i.e., review student paperwork, observe the student, interview student’s team, and conduct an interactive session - trying out one or more solutions you think will meet the student’s need. You will schedule this last method with one of the instructors or another qualified LATS in your region.

5. Borrow four Assistive Technology Devices from www.atlasts.com or another source and try them with one or more students to assist with the selection of the most appropriate tool for that student.

6. Turn in your completed proposed project and copy of your Assessment Report within 10 months after the face-to-face instruction is completed.

7. Receive your LATS Certificate! It will say:

Capital Region BOCES Technology Resources for Education Center:
This Certificate is presented on this ___ day of __________ , in recognition of completion of L.A.T.S. Training to serve as a Local Assistive Technology Specialist.