Conferences/Webinars

The Richard West Assistive Technology Center (ATAC) performs a range of training opportunities for stakeholders across New Jersey. These activities are provides in accordance with the requirements of the Assistive Technology Act.

To explore ATAC training activities, please view the “Conferences / Webinars” drop down menu above.

Spotlight Session: ATAC Director, Mike Marotta, presents a session titled “Leverage Technology for Success: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward Without Walking Through the Door” to NJAPSE

The AT Act describes training as follows:

“(i) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. —

(I) IN GENERAL. —The State shall directly, or provide support to public or private entities with demonstrated expertise in collaborating with public or private agencies that serve individuals with disabilities, to develop and disseminate training materials, conduct training, and provide technical assistance, for individuals from local settings statewide, including representatives of State and local educational agencies, other State and local agencies, early intervention programs, adult service programs, hospitals and other health care facilities, institutions of higher education, and businesses.

(II) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. —In carrying out activities under sub clause (I), the State shall carry out activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of individuals from local settings described in sub clause (I), which may include—

(aa) general awareness training on the benefits of assistive technology and the Federal, State, and private funding sources available to assist targeted individuals and entities in acquiring assistive technology;

(bb) skills-development training in assessing the need for assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;

(cc) training to ensure the appropriate application and use of assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and accessible technology for e-government functions;

(dd) training in the importance of multiple approaches to assessment and implementation necessary to meet the individualized needs of individuals with disabilities; and

(ee) technical training on integrating assistive technology into the development and implementation of service plans, including any education, health, discharge, Olmstead, employment, or other plan required under Federal or State law.”

Training activities are instructional events, usually planned in advance for a specific purpose or audience, and are designed to increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding AT.  Such events can be delivered to large or small groups, in-person, or via telecommunications or other distance education mechanisms. In general, participants in training can be individually identified and could complete an evaluation of the training.  Examples of training include classes, workshops, and presentations that have a goal of increasing skills, knowledge, and competency, as opposed to training intended only to increase general awareness of AT.  Training activities have more depth and breadth than public awareness activities and are focused on skill building and competency development.

Section 4(d)(5) of the AT Act requires that the State Plan include a description of how the Statewide AT Program will implement its State-level and State Leadership activities.  Further, section 4(d)(4) requires that the State Plan describe how various public and private entities will be involved in the implementation of those activities, including a description of the nature and extent of resources that will be committed by public and private collaborators.  Section 4(d)(7) also requires that the State Plan include a description of the State-level and State Leadership Activities the state will support with state funds.  Section 4(e)(3)(B)(iii) requires that states coordinate and collaborate their State-level and State Leadership activities among public and private entities.  The following items are items intended to meet these requirements for training activities.