I am posting the announcement below for friends and colleagues working with the University of Massachusetts Boston. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky R.SesslerTrinkowsky@umb.edu<mailto:R.SesslerTrinkowsky@umb.edu>, or Dr. Laura Bozeman Laura.Bozeman@umb.edu<mailto:Laura.Bozeman@umb.edu> for further information. New Proposed Program from the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Certificate in the area of Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments The University of Massachusetts Boston will launch its new online curriculum to support Vision Education and Rehabilitation Specialists wishing to prepare for ACVREP examination to become a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments (CATIS). A "CATIS" engages in a comprehensive approach to vision (re)habilitation addressing visual, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects related to the training and integration of existing and emerging technologies. Methods and strategies include the use of visual techniques, non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual), strategies and problem-solving skills through the use of various Assistive Technology (AT) devices and solutions. Core Courses: Introduction to Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments (3 credits) Scheduled Summer 2018 cost $1400 Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS Assistive Technology Assessment and Instruction for People with Visual Impairments (4 credits) Scheduled Fall 2018 cost $1400 Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS Configuration and Exploration of Assistive Technology Solutions (4 credits) Scheduled Spring 2019 cost $1400 Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS Technological Methods of Accessibility and Accommodations for People with Visual Impairments (3 credits) Scheduled Summer 2019 cost $1400 Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS Internship for Assistive Technology Instruction for People with Visual Impairments (4 credits) Scheduled Fall 2019 cost $1400 Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS On-Line Registration<http://sgiz.mobi/s3/UMass-Boston-CATIS-Registration> Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS Rachael's educational background includes a B.A. degree in Special Education, a Master of Health Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, as well as an Educational Specialist and Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University's College of Engineering and Computing. Her dissertation topic focused on accessibility awareness and practices in online learning environments. She has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) since 1999. Rachael participated as a member of the subject matter expert committee for the development of the new and much needed specialization, called <https://www.acvrep.org/certifications/catis> Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments<https://www.acvrep.org/certifications/catis> (CATIS) through the <https://www.acvrep.org/> Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals<https://www.acvrep.org/> (ACVREP). "It is interesting as I look back to when I was first applying for my Ph.D. program. I remember writing about the importance of developing a certification for assistive technology specialists who work with people with visual impairments at that time. It was an amazing experience to be a part of the creation of this certification and I am looking forward to working with UMass as we strive to prepare professionals in this field." "I have previously worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Florida Division of Blind Services and as an assistive technology sales and training representative for Florida Reading and Vision Technology. I currently work for the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches as the Technology Training and Vocational Coordinator, where I oversee services for a 5-county territory. I have more than 11 years of experience working with the Lighthouse. We teach a variety of assistive technology including screen readers, screen magnification software, low vision devices, braille technology, smartphone and tablet accessibility, optical character recognition (OCR) options, and many different types of specialized devices." Faculty Instructor: Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS