Assistive Technology for VI

What is an Assistive Technology Specialist for People with Visual Impairments?

The online Assistive Technology Graduate Certificate and Master of Education Degree prepare professionals for eligibility to apply for the Certified Assistive Tecnology Instruction Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments (CATIS) Certification through ACVREP. Assistive Technology Specialists must have well-rounded knowledge in the following domains: assessment, instruction, configuration, and exploration for AT for people with visual impairments. These programs are fully online other than integrated field experience and practicum hours. “CATIS are committed to excellence in serving individuals who are visually impaired to facilitate independence, communication and successful outcomes for educational pursuits, avocational interests and gainful employment.” CATIS Certification information from ACVREP. Assistive Technology Specialists work with a variety of populations among people who are blind or visually impaired including people who are DeafBlind, college students, people over 55 years old, children in transition to adult services, individuals who are multiply disabled, employed people requiring "on the job training" or job accommodations, management, and veterans.

What are the admissions requirements?

Admissions to all graduate programs are coordinated through the Office of Graduate Admissions. All materials and correspondence should be submitted online and you can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, Campus Center, Upper Level at 617.287.6400. Program advisory information requests should be directed to Laura Bozeman at //laura.bozeman [at] umb.edu (laura[dot]bozeman[at]umb[dot]edu) or Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky at //r.sesslertrinkowsky [at] umb.edu (r[dot]sesslertrinkowsky[at]umb[dot]edu). Apply to UMass Boston by completing the standard graduate application provided in the Graduate Studies Bulletin or in the online application where you can print out an application or apply online with a credit card. Specify that you are applying to the M.Ed. in Vision Studies/Vision Rehabilitation Therapy track. As part of the application process for the university, you are also required to: Obtain three letters of recommendation, using the forms provided by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Emphasis should be placed on academic and professional references that speak to your ability as a thoughtful educator in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Submit an official transcript from each institution attended; a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admissions to a master's degree program. Complete your statement of interest and intent by submitting a two-part essay. Explain your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies in Assistive Technology for Individuals with Visual Impairment (approximately 300 words). Indicate your specific interest and discuss the type of work you would like to do as an Assistive Technology Specialist (at least 1,200 words). Application deadline: July 1st for fall admission.

What are the employment opportunities?

Many employers require ACVREP CATIS certification. Our programs are designed to prepare students for CATIS certification eligibility. Upon completion of this course of study, you will be eligible to apply for positions in adult rehabilitation programs and in specialized educational institutions across the country. Students willing to travel outside the state are likely to find employment before graduation. Salaries differ from state to state. AT specialists may work in state vocational services for the blind, rehabilitation units of Veterans Administration hospitals, programs for elders with visual impairments, private non-profit organizations, rehabilitation agencies, low vision clinics, or private practice.

What financial assistance is available?

The Vision Studies Program Coordinator or Director has the most up-to-date information on this topic. Currently, there is competitive grant funding for most of the tuition. Students must obtain their own texts and required resources. The university's Financial Aid office has information on financial aid loans.

Are there any other fees I should know about?

There are several university fees that you will be asked to pay as you go along, including an application fee, new student fee, and graduation fee. In addition, if you choose to pursue certification you will have to apply for and pay fees to ACVREP for the CATIS examination and certification.

CATIS Eligibility Fee: $130.00
CATIS Exam Fee: $435.00
CATIS Certification Fee: $115.00
These fees are paid directly to ACVREP once you are ready to apply for certification.

What courses do I need to take? For certification? For a master's degree?

The individualized course of study is determined after an individual advisement meeting with the program coordinator and/or program director.

Is there a thesis or exit exam requirement? Will I be certified?

There is a Capstone Project required for M.Ed. students, We also strongly encourage students to take the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) exam. Once this exam is passed, the person is internationally certified as a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS).

Do I need to come to Boston? Are all the courses online?

All of the coursework is delivered through an online platform. Integrated field hours require ongoing field experiences that can be completed locally for students. Later in the program, practicum hours are required, which are generally in the student's region as well.

How much time does it take to complete the program?

Most students are working and generally take two years to complete the M.Ed. program. The graduate certificate can take less time based on previous experience.