The Steps Required to Become a Communication Assistive Technology (CAT) Level 1 Assessor

Transcription

1 The Steps Required to Become a Communication Assistive Technology (CAT) Level 1 Assessor 1. If you are an Occupational Therapist do you have an annual practicing certificate? 2. If you are a Speech Language Therapist are you a member of the NZSTA or are you eligible to become a member of the NZSTA? 3. Are you a member of ATANZ? 4. Complete the EMS core module requirements. 5. Complete the professional development. 6. Complete the Supervision requirements. 7. Process complete notification. Each of these steps is detailed on the following pages

2 1. If you are an Occupational Therapist do you have an annual practicing certificate? You must have a current Annual Practicing Certificate to become a credentialled assessor. 2. If you are a Speech Language Therapist are you a member of the NZSTA or are you eligible to become a member of the NZSTA? You must either be a current member of the NZSTA or be eligible to become a member of the NZSTA to become a credentialled assessor. 3. Are you a member of ATANZ? You must be a current member of ATANZ to become a credentialled assessor. You can become a member here 4. Complete the EMS core module requirements. The EMS core module can be accessed at assessors. Please note: you do not need to print and retain your certificate for your application as a record of your completion will be accessible electronically). The next step is to create a new user account. Click on the New EMS Assessors link highlighted below. Then complete the registration process and complete the EMS Core Module

3 5. Complete the professional development Either by OR A. attending a CAT Level 1 credentialling workshop (face to face) (It is likely that these will be phased out as demand decreases information will be posted on the ATANZ website when and where these workshops will be held) B. Completing the Online CAT level 1 Modules. These modules are located alongside the EMS Core Modules on assessors. Select Communication Assistive Technology Level 1 Both option A and B requires completion of an Assessment task. This task is as follows Undertake a CAT Level 1 assessment Complete the appropriate assessment form (Enable or Accessable) together with accompanying annotations or report. The purpose of the annotations/ report is to provide the background information/ rationale for your recommendation. If you are providing annotations, these should be a MAXIMUM of one A4 page (e.g., summary and bullet points) and should briefly describe the factors influencing your decision making on the application. These factors may include information gained from assessment, equipment trials or discussions with clients and their families, together with your knowledge of CAT equipment options. Forward a copy of your completed EMS assessment form, annotations or additional report providing the information supporting your recommended equipment, to dean.sutherland@canterbury.ac.nz or by post to Dean Sutherland, Health Sciences Centre University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 Please note: you may use a historical application. Please ensure you remove any identifying client information from the forms before submitting. You will be notified of your successful credentialling or the need to provide further information. On successful completion you will be provided with a certificate confirming you have met the Professional Development Requirements.

4 6. Complete the Supervision requirements. A. Organise professional supervision related to your work with Communication Assistive Technology and enter their details in your EMS Accreditation framework account. This may be a colleague in your organisation who is also a credentialled Level 1 assessor. Another person who is a credentialled Level 1 assessor. If you require support in finding an appropriate supervisor please contact Ann Smaill at TalkLink ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz. B. Your supervisor/ employer must complete an Employer Declaration. The nominated supervisor will be automatically ed a link to the Employer Declaration. 7. Process complete notification Once the Employer Declaration has been completed you will be sent an stating that Your application for Communication Assistive Technology Level 1 has been supported by your nominated Employer/Manager/Supervisor. You will be notified of your EMS Assessor code as soon as your application has been processed.

5 CAT Level 1 versus CAT Level 2 Credentialling: What is the difference? CAT Level 1 Assessors working at level 1 may undertake assessments with people: 1. Where their sole need is complex communication or they are emergent communicators. 2. Who may require low to mid technology communication solutions (e.g. static display devices, keyboard devices that do not require complex programming knowledge). For example a LightWriter could be considered by a Level 1 assessor. CAT Level 2 Assessors working at this level may undertake assessments with people: 1. Who have complex communication needs in addition to other needs (cognitive, physical, sensory etc) which requires a team approach 2. Who may require more complex communication solutions including support 3. Who are in environments that require a high level of collaboration between team members 4. Where successful implementation requires specialist knowledge of product and process. Examples where Level 2 credentials may apply: Highly complex equipment that requires technical knowledge and support School students who require joint assessments as per the protocol between the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education People living in community houses or residential care People with deteriorating conditions where needs are changing over time and require solutions that will continue to meet these changing needs