Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Category: Certification News
Doha, Qatar, 9 October 2018: Mada Center announced yesterday in a press conference the launch of the Arabic version of the ATP (Assistive Technology Professionals) test from RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America), which has been translated into Arabic for the first time ever as an initiative by the center. After the press conference, a workshop was held for 40 assistive technology superusers, who were trained and certified by Mada, from the sectors of education, healthcare and community, to inform them about the requirements needed to get this certification.
On this occasion, Maha Al Mansouri, Mada Center’s CEO stated: “We at Mada Center are privileged to launch this initiative that enhances the ecosystem we’ve always striven to enhance through our strategy that focuses on expanding abilities in the field of assistive technology for people with disabilities. This initiative, and for the first time ever, will provide the opportunity for Arabic-speaking assistive technology professionals to receive this global certificate from this internationally acclaimed organization to expand abilities in the field of assistive technology. And through this first of its kind initiative in the region, we aim to provide the necessary expertise to empower people with disabilities in the Arab world through assistive technology and its supporting ecosystem.”
Mada Center has invested a lot of resources to launch the Arabic version of the Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP) test for Arab professionals, which has, until now, been only available in English. A team of Mada experts worked tirelessly in the course of an entire year and according to solid scientific foundations to translate and review the questions of this international test. In addition to getting certified by an internationally acclaimed organization, the professionals who pass the test will be at the forefront of the field of assistive technology.
Michael Brogioli, the Executive Director of RESNA, stated: “We’re dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing for people with disabilities through technological solutions. As such, we are delighted to partner with Mada Center on the Arabic translation of the Assistive Technology Professional Exam (ATP). The support we received from Mada Center was key to realizing this translation project. Our ATP credentials are the mark of professional ability to provide quality support to the services provided for people with disabilities. This new Arabic translation will make the exam and credentials more accessible to countless Arabic speaking people from all over the world.”
It is worth noting that the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions. RESNA advances the field by offering certification, continuing education, and professional development; developing assistive technology standards; promoting research and public policy; and sponsoring forums for the exchange of information and ideas to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The ATP certification provided by RESNA recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology for the consumers' needs, and providing training in the use of the selected devices.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mohammed Al-Fehaida
Communication & Marketing Officer
Assistive Technology Center “Mada”
Email: malfehaida@mada.org.qa
Phone: +97444594077
Mobile: +97455972492