AT Forward
AT Forward
Micro-Credentials
Micro-Credentials
Embedded Files
Welcome! The Assistive Technology (AT) Forward is excited to provide free learning opportunities through this micro-credentialing platform that is supported with email and video conference communication to enable clarity and success. The modules provide an opportunity for educators to leverage anytime, anywhere, self-paced learning.
Module Library
Module Library
AAC/Communication Overview: This module will assist teams in using the WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide for Communication in order to gather student-centered information about: the student's abilities and difficulties associated with communication, the environmental considerations impacting the student's communication, and the task(s) needed for the student to successfully accomplish communication with others
AAC Advanced Overview: This module helps teams explore complex communication strategies to better understand a student's communication strengths and challenges. It also assists in identifying potential funding sources, assists with acquiring knowledge around implementation strategies, and explores alternative access methods needed for successful Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) execution.
Academic Overview: This module will assist teams in using the WATI assessment process to assess a student's need for assistive technology (AT) for reading and math. Teams can consider guiding questions to provide information about the Student, Environment(s) and Tasks, all around the task of reading and comprehending text. As well as apply knowledge and strategies, solve problems, organize and communicate their thinking, understand how ideas connect, and develop and use representations in math.
Access/Device Overview: This module will help individuals learn information such as the mechanics of switch access, the characteristics of those who benefit from switch accessible learning as well as applying the WATI process. Educators will survey tools, the needs in a specific environment and data collection. This knowledge can help educators to provide support for individuals with various needs to succeed in school, home and community life.
Accessible Educational Material Overview: This module will help individuals explore the WATI assessment processes as it relates to students who have print disabilities and are in need of accessible educational materials. Many students have difficulties with accessing and using print based materials . This module will study the process of how educators assess students' needs for accessible materials, acquire accessible materials and document the needs in the IEP process. Removing the barriers so the student can learn and participate as much as possible.
Adult/Transition Overview: This module will help individuals explore how AT is addressed in transitional plans including the SETT process. The needs of adults with disabilities is unique and extensive. In this module the educator will examine the needs of young people with disabilities as they explore the world of higher education and work.
Adult Transitioning II Overview: This module will help individuals explore how AT is addressed in transitional plans including the SETT and ReSETT process. During this module the educator will consider the concept of a competent AT user, the need for data collection and look at creating implementation strategies in order for adults to be successful in the workplace.
Assessment Overview: This module will help individuals investigate IDEA requirements, the WATI forms for completing an assessment and research various resources for learning more about AT tools. The process of SETT will be discussed as well as the importance of data collection and trials of AT devices.
AT for Administration Overview: This module will help individuals explore critical areas of administrative support and leadership for developing and delivering assistive technology services. Educators need to understand the law as well as implications AT can have on students with disabilities. Educators will explore the differences between Universal Design for Learning and AT devices / services. Tools and needs assessments will be explored in a variety of areas.
AT For Older Students and Adults Overview: This module is designed for service coordinators or others that work with the older students who support people with DD. This module looks at communication as a basic human right and need for those individuals who are considered adults. Other topics explored are the world or work, and strategies and tools that assist others as individuals strive for independence and autonomy.
Complex Needs Overview: This module will help individuals investigate the WATI assessment processes it relates to students with complex needs. Students who have complex disabilities require a unique approach to their educational assistive technology needs. They may require communication, seating, medical and/ or cognitive supports. This module highlights the process of removing the barriers so the student can learn and participate as much as possible.
Early Childhood Overview: This module will help individuals examine the WATI assessment process as it relates to students who are ages 3-6. Supporting families as they begin their journey with their special needs child is essential and foundational. This module looks at a family centered approach to exploring and implementation of AT tools and skills.
Hearing Overview: This module will help individuals investigate the WATI assessment process as it relates to assisting a student with a hearing impairment. This module looks at the various modes of communication, the environmental impacts of a hearing loss, the various stakes holders, the assessment process as well as exploring tools of learning, alerting, and communicating.
IEP/Implementation Overview: This module will help individuals explore the WATI assessment process as it relates to Assistive Technology in the IEP. A well developed IEP is essential to good programing. This module looks at the difference between AT consideration and AT assessment as well as how to document Assistive Technology in the IEP.
Independent Living/Home Life Overview: This module will help individuals examine the WATI assessment process as it relates to independent living. The tools available today can assist a person in being as independent as possible. This module looks at the various case studies, tools and the assessment / funding processes necessary to acquire the tools.
Organization/Executive Functioning Overview: This module will help individuals explore the WATI assessment process as it relates to foundational concepts of organizational skills and executive functioning. Organizational skills play a huge role in the success of students. This module looks at management of time, tasks and the tools used to assist students with executive functioning skills.
Recreation Overview: This module will assist teams in using the WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide for Recreations / leisure in order to gather student-centered information about: the student's abilities and difficulties associated with participation, and selection of recreational based activities. These modules will help you explore options, and the environmental considerations that impact the student's ability to participate in recreational and leisure activities.
Seating, Positioning, and Mobility Overview: This module will help individuals investigate the WATI assessment process as it relates to foundational concepts of seating and positioning. Educators will look at the AT Decision-Making Guide, and gain an understanding of the need for ongoing assessments as they relate to students' physical growth and changes in their environment.
Vision Overview: This module will help individuals examine elements essential to the assistive technology (AT) selection process as it relates to students with visual impairments. Most students with visual impairments require individually selected AT solutions that match their educational needs. Such solutions should match their abilities, preferences, and environment.
Writing Overview: This module will help individuals explore the WATI assessment process to assess a student's need for assistive technology (AT) in the area of writing. This module highlights and provides guidance for assessing the numerous challenges inherent in the writing process as it relates to composition. Written composition involves cognitive skills, sensory, and motoric components as well as looking at the skill from a developmental lens.
To start earning a micro-credential today, please complete the following five steps:
Step 1: If you are not an AT Forward Project Community of Practice member, please register on the AT Forward website for free. If you are already a member, please continue to step 2.
Step 2: Register for the free modules at atinternetmodules.org
Step 3: Select/click on a module area of study above.
Step 4: Click on the criteria & tracking sheet for instructions, complete the modules, and record learning journey
Step 5: Upon work completion, click on the submit criteria button and complete the form.
For further explanation, access our AT Forward Micro-Credential Process Video Tutorial.
Note: You can earn a total of 18 badges for completing micro-credentials. If you earn seven badges, you will qualify for a macro-credential.
Participants' Feedback:
"I chose to do micro-credentials because as a new paraprofessional, it helped me gain confidence and to better serve our students. The information in these credentials has been relevant and provided me with a lot of new techniques and skills that I continue to use on a daily basis."
-Abigail B.
"I signed up to complete the micro-credentials and the macro-credential to enhance and update my knowledge base on Assistive Technology. It has helped me tremendously in my work across disciplines for our students with special needs. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about accessibility for students in our district. Thank you for the opportunity to do this at no charge."
-Ann B
"At the beginning of my journey into Assistive Technology, I had much of the foundational knowledge necessary, but lacked the knowledge on how to apply it. It was recommended to me to check out AT Forward. I wound up completing every available module. The information was exceptional and provided me with a template from which to grow our Assistive Technology program. I would recommend these micro-credentials to anyone looking for more knowledge on AT. "
-Jeffrey Z.
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