RESNA CERTIFICATION TOOLKIT
PURPOSE: The purpose of the RESNA Certification Toolkit is to provide current
certificant holders with tools, templates and tips they can use to promote their ATP Certification.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOOLKIT:
§ Sending a credible press release
§ Media relations helpful hints
§ What to do with your RESNA certification press release
§ Press release template
§ FAQ about certification
§ RESNA Certification Logo use
§ Candidate and Consumer Brochures (PDFs)
Sending a Credible Press Release
§ The purpose of a press release is to announce an event or piece of news to a specific audience through the media channel.
§ The press release content needs to be compelling enough for the reporter to print it.
§ Avoid self-promotion. The news has to have general appeal to a broad range of readers.
§ A press release must follow a very specific format (see press release template).
o The contact information for the news release should be clearly posted on the top of the release. Opposite the contact information, on the top right, should be the words "For Immediate Release" unless the material should not be released right away.
o Headline should be centered in ALL CAPS. (Headlines should grab the editor’s attention).
o Subtitle should be centered in Title Case.
o Start the press release with the current date and town where you live.
o Write introductory paragraph and body next. (Always include the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Why and Where).
o Include website address at the end so editor can learn more about your company.
o Close with three pound signs (# # #), or -30-, the standard symbols for the end of a press release.
Media Relations Helpful Hints
Effective media relations starts with building a solid relationship with the media that helps them deliver valuable news to their readers. Here are some top suggestions for building credibility with the media:
· Help them meet their deadlines with timely responses. Try to get back to them within 24 hours.
· Provide clear, straight-forward answers
· Reinforce messages that are meaningful to their audience. Find out what their readers are interested in reading.
· Make the news relevant to the media. Just because you think it’s important, it may not have that same importance to their readers.
· Hook your story to their editorial agenda
· Be prepared when reporters call. Have your top 1 – 2 messages ready to go.
· Never assume a reporter understands everything you say. Try not to make the interview confusing by using technical language that has special meaning to you but sounds like a foreign language to a reporter.
· Keep your answers as simple and straightforward as possible and don't hesitate to define a term very carefully to avoid misunderstanding. Use analogies to convey a simple, graphic image.
What to do with Your RESNA Certification Press Release
§ Fill in the information using the Press Release Template below.
§ Send the press release to your local newspapers, business publications, newsletters of companies you do business with. Most editors prefer email v. mail so they don’t have to re keystroke the information.
o Target the following editors: Business Section, Community/Local News Section, “Who’s Who?” section. Much of this information of who to contact can be found on the publication’s website.
§ You can also post a copy on your website and send it to your clients.
Press Release Template You Can Send to Your Local Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Your Name Goes Here
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
LOCAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL EARNS HIGH CREDITATION
Month, Date, Year – Arlington, Virginia. – First Name Last Name, Job Title at Company Name, has earned the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, (RESNA). RESNA is the nation’s leading organization who serves people with disabilities seeking technology applications to maximize their ability to function in their home, school and/or work environment.
A trained assistive technology professional analyzes the needs of individuals with disabilities, assists in the selection of the appropriate equipment and trains the consumer how to properly use the specific equipment. The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification recognizes professionals who have reached an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology and who demonstrate a commitment to provide only the highest ethical standards of practice.
To become certified as an Assistive Technology Professional, one has to meet three requirements: eligibility (through work and education), a rigorous exam that tests competency in the field of assistive technology and an ongoing commitment to practice the highest ethical standard. RESNA has a process to review any violations of these standards which can be reported to the professional standards board.
Brief bio of new ATP
“Most candidates find that the certification process itself is highly valuable,” said Anjali Weber, MS, ATP and Director of Certification, RESNA. “The application, work experience and comprehensive examination are an excellent evaluation of their commitment to the field, and the requirement to abide by the RESNA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics help assure that individuals with assistive technology needs will be offered quality service.”
To earn ATP Certification, Last Name had to demonstrate an understanding of the main principles of assistive technology including psychology and sociology; human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics; basic etiologies and pathologies; learning and teaching; assessment procedures; service delivery systems and funding for assistive technology; design and product development; product knowledge of assistive technology devices; integration of person, technology and the environment and professional conduct.
“We see certification as an integral part of RESNA’s commitment to the education of its members and the development of the assistive technology profession in general,” said RESNA past-president Glenn Hedman, MS, PE, ATP, RET.
There are almost 4,000 rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, suppliers, educators and other professionals who have successfully received their certification.
About RESNA
RESNA is a non-profit professional organization whose members serve people with disabilities seeking technology applications to maximize their ability to function in their environment. RESNA’s membership consists of researchers, clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers, consumers and educators who work in nonprofit and for-profit companies. All members are dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and information for the advancement of assistive technology.
For more information on the ATP certification, visit www.resna.org.
RESNA ATP Certification Q&A
This Q&A can be used to help answer questions ATP Certified professionals may receive from colleagues, physicians and patients.
What is RESNA ATP Certification?
The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification was developed by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) as a way to instill quality assurance offered by professionals who support people with disabilities.
How do I describe what RESNA does? RESNA is a non-profit professional organization whose members serve people with disabilities seeking technology applications to maximize their ability to function in their environment. RESNA’s membership consists of researchers, clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers, consumers and educators who work in nonprofit and for-profit companies. All members are dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and information for the advancement of assistive technology.
Why is ATP Certification important?
ATP certification is a clear way to identify professionals who have expertise in helping people with disabilities select the proper assistive technology that meets their needs, such as persons in need of wheelchairs, access to computers, aids for communications, etc. The ATP Certification recognizes professionals who have reached an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology, promoting RESNA's code of ethics and highest ethical standards.
What are some of the other advantages of being ATP certified?
1) AT professionals with different educational and practice backgrounds can communicate with a common language and understanding.
2) New employment opportunities, greater earning potential, and career advancement.
3) Requirement of ongoing continuing education and work experience promotes current knowledge and practice.
4) Certification provides a basis for trusting a certificant's work.
5) Certification promotes best practices in the field.
6) There is a process of adjudication to protect the public and other members of the broad field of AT when a certificant is in violation of a standard of practice or code of ethics.
What is the ATP certification process like?
To become certified as an Assistive Technology Professional, you must be approved for and pass a 200-item examination that tests competency in the broad field of assistive technology practice. Suggested resources on www.RESNA.org in the Certification section, under the Resources link, will help you prepare for the exam.
In order to take the exam, candidates must first meet both the Educational and Work Experience Requirements for one of the combinations listed on the RESNA website.
How many ATP certified professionals are there in the U.S.?
There are almost 4,000 rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and hearing pathologists, suppliers, educators and other professionals who have successfully received their certification.
RESNA ATP Certification LOGO Use
Who can use the RESNA Certification Logo?
Individuals who earn the ATP RESNA Certification can begin using the logo on the same date they receive their certification, once they have received permission to do so from the RESNA office. They may use the logo as long as the ATP certification remains in good standing.
How should an individual use/display the RESNA Certification Logo?
The certified individual may use the logo in a variety of promotional and advertising materials (i.e. business cards, website, letterhead, etc.)
Is prior approval required from RESNA to display the Logo?
Prior approval from RESNA is required for the certification logo use. RESNA has the right to reject the material based on the standards of the RESNA trademark. All requests should be sent to . Upon approval, a high resolution image of the logo will be forwarded for use.
What happens if someone uses the RESNA Certification Logo who has not properly earned the ATP Certification?
RESNA protects its ATP trademark and use of the designation or logo, and a letter of violation will be sent, along with a warning that further legal action may be taken to protect against fraudulent use.
Can the RESNA Certification Logo colors and font be altered?
No, it is in violation of the logo use agreement to alter any portion of the RESNA Certification logo artwork.
How does the certificant holder access the RESNA Certification Logo?
A file of the logo will be emailed to the certificant holder once the request has been approved by .
Candidate and Consumer Brochures (PDFs)
Two brochures were developed from your use and are posted at www.resna./org under Certification, Marketing.
RESNA Assistive Technology Professional Certification – this brochure may be used to let others know about your ATP certification, how it was earned, and what it means to be ATP certified.
Get the Quality Assistive Technology Care you Deserve – this brochure is about helping the consumer ask the right questions to find the assistive technology they need, and why they should work with certified ATP to best meet their needs.
Both brochures may be downloaded and printed for free, or you may order them, pre-printed, folded, and in color, from the RESNA office for $30 per 100 brochures, including shipping.
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