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 ![[----------------Horizontal Rule----------------]](/webart/hrule.gif){kind=small}  Article 5. University of Wisconsin–Madison: Interdisciplinary Training in Assistive TechnologyInterACT and TechSpec University of Wisconsin-Madison The University of Wisconsin in Madison first established a leadership role in the area of augmentative communication and interface technologies during the late 1970s. Today, faculty and staff are still conducting research, developing new technologies, training professionals and serving clients and their families. Many are affiliated with the Trace Research and Development Center in the Waisman Center, widely known around the world. (Note: A previous issue of ACN highlighted the Trace Center). More recently two additional programs, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education, were initiated because, despite promising advances in augmentative communication and other assistive technologies, a critical shortage of trained professionals who know how to apply new tools and techniques, continues to restrict access to those who need it most. The aim of the training programs is to fully utilize and integrate the research, R & D, and information dissemination activities on campus with core training efforts and to make training available to students across disciplines.
1.The Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication and Technology Training Program (InterACT). InterACT, is primarily designed to help pre-service students gain the range of skills and depth of knowledge required to implement new communication and interface technologies. InterACT aims to train 10 to 12 students each year in effectively using augmentative communication (AC) and assistive technology with clients. In addition, a goal of the InterACT program is to become a model curriculum for schools nationwide. InterACT uses a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating skills in speech-language pathology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation engineering. InterACT is a multi-level program, training students at four levels. Level III and Level IV are certificate programs. Level I: Basic awareness training provides exposure to the augmentative communication and interface technology areas. Level II: Foundation knowledge training with additional course-work for students who desire more in-depth understanding. Level III: Focused training with extensive coursework and practicum experience in urban and rural school systems. Students may choose either the Augmentative Communications Track or the Interface Technology Track. Level IV: Advanced specialist training with an intensive 3- to 9-month internship during which the student acts as part of an AC and interface team in preparation for independent professional competency as an AC or interface specialist. Core faculty involved with InterACT include: Jon Miller, Communicative Disorders Gregg C. Vanderheiden, Industrial Engineering Roger O. Smith, Therapeutic Science Robert Christiaansen, Therapeutic Science Jamie Murray-Branch, Communication Disorders Julie Gamradt, Trace R & D Center. Current research in AAC-related areas includes vocabulary selection, interface technology assessment, cognitive access, and computer access systems for the blind. Stipends are available to support students in Levels III and IV of this program. 2.TechSpec: In the past, occupational therapists and other professionals working with people with disabilities have gained technological expertise after they leave universities and begin to practice. In general, knowledge of assistive/rehabilitative technology is acquired through workshops, conferences, and on-the-job in-service sessions. The Trace Center, in cooperation with the Occupational Therapy Professional Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, established an interdisciplinary technology specialization program called TechSpec. Its goal is to provide newly trained professionals moving out into the field with a strong base of pre-service training in the technological aspects of occupational therapy resources. The TechSpec program consists of two main components: Direct training. Six TechSpec courses are being taught each year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, resulting in a certificate of completion. By the end of the '91-'92 academic year, total enrollment in TechSpec courses will have been 461 students. At the close of TechSpec's third year, 22 trainees had graduated, and 30 stipends totaling $36,000 had been awarded. Development and distribution of training materials. Other training programs report they are integrating TechSpec materials into courses and workshops. More than a dozen TechSpec publications are available, including: Introduction to Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies Technology Applications for the Enhancing Human Performance Course Guide: Microcomputer & Software Applications in OT; A Survey of Technology Education in Entry-Level Curricula: Quantity, Quality and Barriers. To obtain additional information about either the augmentative communication or interface technology training programs, a complete list of materials, and/or to order any of the available publications, write to: Trace R & D Center at S-151 Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705.
This article appears in ACN Volume 5, # 3. You may order this issue by clicking on Ordering Home Page Online Ordering 
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