Finding the right fit for a person and his/her wheelchair or other mobility device is a unique process involving the expertise of a seating and positioning specialist. This is one specialty of physical therapy. The main objective of the therapist is to facilitate the highest functional level possible for the client. This involves meeting a wide variety of criteria, such as support requirements, posture, range of motion, disease progression, strength, skin sensitivity, environment and functional ability.

Assistive technology has emerged as a viable area of specialization for occupational therapists in settings ranging from schools to adult rehabilitation facilities to developmental centers. Therapists who work in this burgeoning field should be aware of the certification process for assistive technology practitioners.

As with most professional certifications, those who seek RESNA's ATP credential are required to meet minimum criteria in three areas: education, work experience, and successful completion of a standardized written examination.

The education and work experience criteria must both be met before one is allowed to sit for the ATP examination. The education criterion can be satisfied with any one of the following: (a) a bachelor's degree in a "rehabilitation science"-which, for RESNA's purposes, includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, special education, rehabilitation engineering, low-vision rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, audiology, nursing, and medicine; (b) an associate's degree in a rehabilitation science (e.g., COTA and PTA programs); or (c) a bachelor's degree in a nonrehabilitation science.

The work experience criterion varies somewhat depending on one's educational background. Those with a BS or BA in a rehabilitation science-related major are required to accumulate 2 calendar years of experience that involves .25 full-time equivalent (FTE), approximately 10 hours per week, of assistive technology service delivery. Those with an AS or AA degree in a rehabilitation science-related area are required to accumulate 2 calendar years of experience that involves at least .50 FTE, approximately 20 hours per week, of AT service delivery. Those with a BS or BA degree in a nonrehabilitation science field are required to accumulate 4 years of service delivery experience at a minimum of .50 FTE. In all cases, RESNA's PSB verifies work experience through a written statement from the appropriate supervisor(s).

The ATP certification process is a healthy developmental milestone for the relatively young field of assistive technology. The basic role of assistive technology credentialing is to ensure consumer safety and increase consumer satisfaction. The ATP certification is not a license to practice and does not allow people to practice in an area in which they are not prepared. However, it is the only formal process that attests to advanced knowledge and practice skills in the assistive technology specialization area.

Many mobility companies do not get accredited nor do they have a certified seating and positioning specialist (ATP). Many wheelchair users have back aches, pressure sores, and fatigue because they have not been properly seated/measured for the use of a wheelchair.

Your mobility dealer should have team of respected and highly trained seating and mobility specialists have a wide range of assessment equipment available to help you make an informed choice about your wheelchairs, with well educated staff with lots of work experience.