ACC’s Coppin earns ATP certification

Mark Coppin, the Anne Carlsen Center’s Assistive Technology Director, has become certified as an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP), just the seventh person in the state to fulfill eligibility requirements and pass the credentialing exams necessary.

“There were six people in the state that have it,” said Coppin. “there is one in Bismarck, one in Grafton, one in Fargo and three in Grand Forks.

“One reason I pursued certification is no one was specifically focusing on K-12 Special Education in the state. The people that have it right now are associated with either IPAT or Altru Hospital.”

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) filled a need when the group decided to offer the certification. They are now the regulating commission for assistive technology and set the standards for individuals with to meet in order to become certified. RESNA has developed this voluntary credentialing process in order to ensure consumer safeguards and increase consumer satisfaction with the service delivery process.

“I have been doing assistive technology for 20 years,” said Coppin. “I felt there was a need to pursue the formal certification. We are doing more and more outreach and this lends more credence to what I do.” Coppin adds that the certification is especially helpful, as he often presents on a national level.

The ATP credential is intended for service providers who are primarily responsible for an end user’s assistive technology needs, from evaluation and assessment, through training and follow-up in the use of that technology. By passing the exam and meeting all eligibility requirements, Coppin has demonstrated a level of expertise to safely and knowledgably guide the consumer, including third-party purchases of services, in determining how assistive technology can help to meet their needs.

“The advantage I have at the Center, we use a multi-disciplinary approach. I am able to work with, and learn from, occupational, physical and speech therapists on a daily basis. I am exposed to their practices and terminologies,” he explains. “We have a very good knowledge base here, and I had a good base going into the process.”

RESNA is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary association of persons who share a common interest in the use of technology to address disabilities. RESNA aims to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology.

“I’m really excited about receiving this certification,” said Coppin. “It is an affirmation for what I have been practicing for years and what we do here at the Anne Carlsen Center.”

For more information about RESNA and the credentialing process, along with a dictionary of credentialed service providers, consult the RESNA website at ww.resna.org.

The Anne Carlsen Center offers extensive care and expertise for individuals with a wide array of disabilities and their families. With its Jamestown campus open since 1941, ACC prides itself on holistic care provided by a highly-trained staff. You can learn more about the Center’s mission, programs and services at www.annecenter.org.