NRRTS panel adds two cents

TRINIDAD, Colo.--NRRTS hopes to have a panel of rehab providers in place soon to work with RESNA as the organization develops its first specialty certification in seating and mobility. “We're trying to find good regional representation for the panel, making sure that the right people are involved in the process,” said Simon Margolis, NRRTS's executive director. In August, RESNA announced plans to offer a specialty certification in mid-2009. The new certification is one of several changes RESNA will make as part of converting its assistive technology practitioner (ATP) and assistive technology supplier (ATS) designations to the new assistive technology professional (ATP) certification. One of the issues the NRRTS panel will explore: Developing a relevant way to test a candidate's knowledge and skills. “I don't think most NRRTS registrants feel you can really test what they do simply with multiple choice questions on an exam,” Margolis said. “We could test people for what's wrong, but I don't know if we could test people for what's right, because I'm not sure that exists.” A better alternative to an exam, Margolis said, may be a portfolio. Candidates could submit examples of patients they've worked with and presentations they've given during continuing education programs. The downside: Portfolios are difficult to score objectively, he said. In other news, NRRTS will co-sponsor the 25th International Seating Symposium (ISS) March 12-14, 2009, in Orlando, Fla., with the University of Pittsburgh.