McConnell earns national assistive technology certification
Lynn P. McConnell, speech-language pathologist at Mississippi University for Women, has earned the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).
“From the beginning of my career in augmentative communication, earning the ATP certification from RESNA has been a professional goal,” said McConnell. “The ATP Certification represents my continued commitment to delivering high-quality intervention to clients and enriching the educational experiences in the field of augmentative communication to W students in both clinical and classroom settings.”
An assistive technology professional analyzes the needs of individuals with disabilities, assists in the selection of the appropriate equipment and trains the patient on how to properly use the specific equipment. The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification recognizes those who have reached an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology and who demonstrate a commitment to provide only the highest ethical standards of practice.
To become certified, one has to establish eligibility (through work and education), and then successfully pass a rigorous exam that tests competency in the field of assistive technology. The exam covers main principles of assistive technology including psychology and sociology; human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics; basic etiologies and pathologies; learning and teaching; assessment procedures; service delivery systems and funding for assistive technology; design and product development; product knowledge of assistive technology devices; integration of person, technology and the environment and professional conduct.
McConnell is a clinical supervisor and instructor in the Department of Speech Pathology. Currently, she provides augmentative and alternative communication evaluations for individuals who are non-speaking. McConnell has more than 25 years of experience in a variety of settings, including public schools, higher education, healthcare and teletherapy with both pediatric and geriatric populations. She has worked in the field of assistive technology since 2009.
There are almost 4,000 rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, suppliers, educators and other professionals who have successfully received their certification.
About RESNA
RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions.
For more information on the ATP certification, visit www.resna.org.