Department of Rehabilitation Science
Ability. Promise. Growth.

Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Who works in the field of assistive and rehabilitation technology (a.k.a. assistive technology)?

OT's Engineers Software Programmers
PT's Special Educators Disability Service Providers
SLP's Rehabilitation Counselors  

What practice areas are encompassed by the assistive technology field?

Wheeled Mobility and Seating

Adapted Driving

Computer Accommodation

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Worksite Evaluation and Accommodation

Universal Design

Home Modification

Wheelchair Transportation

Adapted Recreation

 

In what settings do assistive technology practitioners work?

  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • State vocational rehabilitation agencies
  • Developmental centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • University-based centers
  • Healthcare companies
  • Worksite ergonomics practices

Where can I obtain more information about the field of assistive and rehabilitation technology?

Two of the better places to start are:

  1. RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, is a professional society of engineers, therapists, special educators, manufacturers, researchers, advocates, and consumers who have a common interest in the field of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering. Their web site is: http://www.resna.org/
  2. The Trace R&D Center -- located at the University of Wisconsin, Madison -- has an outstanding web site with information about the field: http://trace.wisc.edu/

What courses are offered as part of UB's Certificate Program?

What are the curriculum options available to those who wish to pursue graduate studies in assistive and rehabilitation technology?

There are several options, including:

1-year CPART training program

M.S. in Occupational Therapy with electives taken in Assistive Technology

Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science with electives taken in Assistive Technology

Note: The CPART program and the doctoral program are both multi-disciplinary while the M.S. in OT is limited to those with a B.S. in occupational therapy.

What are the admission requirements for the 1-year CPART program?

B.S. or BA degree in related field

Human Physiology & Anatomy (1 year)

Minimum 3.0 G.P.A.

How do I apply to the CPART program?

Applications are encouraged using the on-line application.

Is scholarship money available?

Unfortunately, we do not have stipend money available at this time.

Is it possible to integrate the CPART courses with my Master's or Ph.D. degree curriculum?

Yes. The Occupational Therapy program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and the Center for Assistive Technology have a long history of working with graduate students from other departments, as well as mentoring thesis projects that have an assistive technology emphasis. Details are worked out on an individual basis between the student, the student's home department or program (e.g. Physical and Occupational Therapy, Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science), and the faculty within Rehabilitation Science.

Can I take some of the CPART courses without committing to the entire certificate program?

Yes, we encourage single course enrollment from graduate students in related disciplines, as well as working professionals interested in taking courses on a non-matriculating basis.

When are CPART courses offered?

Each course meets once per week throughout the semester. Classes are typically scheduled from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Mondays - Thursdays. Most courses are held in Kimball Tower, which is located on UB's South Campus (a.k.a. Main Street Campus). Contact the Program Director for specific days and times of individual courses. For fall semester, classes typically begin at the end of August and finals are completed by mid-December. Spring semester classes begin during the second week of January and finals are completed by mid-May. Course information for the current and upcoming semester can be found at the Student Response Center.

How do I register for courses?

The CPART courses are all graduate-level and utilize the same registration procedure as other graduate courses at UB.  General information about course registration procedures can be obtained from UB's Student Response Center at (716) 645-2450 or toll free: (866) 838-7257.

Can I qualify for financial aid?

Generally speaking, graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester in order to qualify for financial aid. For further information, contact UB's Financial Aid Office at 716-645-2450 or http://src.buffalo.edu/financialaid/. Additional information can be found at the Graduate School Financial Aid Page: http://www.grad.buffalo.edu/costs/financialaid.php.

I'm from outside of New York State. Will I be required to pay tuition as a non-resident?

The University recognizes NYS residency after 1 year. Complete University guidelines and requirements for residency are contained at: http://src.buffalo.edu/studentaccount/residency.shtml.

Where can I get additional information about UB?

Students have found the following links to be especially useful: Additional Links.  Additional university information is available at: http://www.buffalo.edu

Do you offer any courses on-line?

We do not offer any on-line or distance learning courses at this time.

Who do I contact for further information about UB's CPART program?

Jim Lenker, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Program Director
Certificate Program in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology
Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science
515 Kimball Tower
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079

lenker@buffalo.edu
(716) 829-3141, ext. 109

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