Center on Effective
Rehabilitation Technology (CERT)

Project Background

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) at the U.S. Department of Education is funding a Center on Effective Rehabilitation Technology (CERT) to identify, document, and analyze models of rehabilitation and assistive technology (RT/AT) service delivery shown to be effective in promoting successful employment outcomes.

CERT is led by the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University and the Institute for Matching Person and Technology (IMPT), in collaboration with the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), the National Council for Independent Living (NCIL), and Rehabilitation Technology Associates.

CERT is expected to have a national impact by generating new knowledge on the systematic supports needed for effective RT/AT service delivery, promoting changes at state and local levels through replication of effective practices, improving sustainable collaborations among key stakeholders, and improving informed decision-making to better match RT/AT with the individual’s needs and preferences. Major outputs will include:

• A model policies and procedures template for "effective service delivery."
• A quality indicators self-assessment check list for service delivery programs.
• Development of a new RT/AT assessment tool and measures designed to create a better match between consumers and technology to advance employment outcomes.
• Technical assistance and training opportunities based on research findings.

The CERT's research activities will start with a baseline survey to assess the current state of practice in RT/AT service delivery throughout the country.

CERT is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), for the "Center on Effective Delivery of Rehabilitation Technology by Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies," Grant No. H133A090004.