Ministry of Health Assessor Credentialling: Communication Assistive Technology

Under the current Ministry of Health Equipment and Modification Services requirements, people completing Communication Assistive Technology assessments have been accredited as ‘specialised assessors’. If you are a current Specialised Assessor registered with Enable New Zealand as at the 30th August 2010 you will be automatically transitioned across to the new EMS Accreditation Framework.  New or existing assessors will then be required to complete the new assessor training. For existing assessors, there will be a six months timeframe to complete this training as part of the transition process. If requirements are not met before the 1st March 2011, your EMS Assessor status will be revoked meaning you will need to re-apply for accreditation if you wish to make applications recommending equipment or modifications that are funded by the Ministry of Health.

This training includes:

·         Completion of the EMS Core Module. All assessors will need to successfully complete an on-line core module of approximately 20-40 minutes duration that is aimed at ensuring familiarity with the Ministry’s Equipment and Modification Services’ eligibility and application requirements.  The link to the on-line core module is http://hiirc.onlearn.co.nz

·         Applicants who require an annual practising certificate to practice in New Zealand will need to provide a copy of this to Enable New Zealand.  This can be emailed to: assessor.info@enable.co.nzassesjsor.iknfo@e2nablej.co.nszi

·         Transition requirement specific to Communication Assistive Technology. The link to these requirements is   http://disabilityservices.hiirc.org.nz/section/9755/communication-assistive-technology/?section=9755&tab=1698

 As part of a national training contract with the Ministry of Health (MOH), ATANZ  provides training for therapists who wish to become credentialled in Communication Assistive Technology. The new credentialling framework for MOH assessors is a two tiered system:

Level One Credential

Assessors working at this level may undertake assessments with people:

1.       Where their sole need is complex communication or they are emergent communicators.

2.       Who may require low to mid technology communication solutions (e.g. static display devices, keyboard devices that do not require complex programming knowledge).

Level Two Credential

Assessors working at this level may undertake assessments with people:

1.       Who have complex communication needs in addition to other needs (cognitive, physical, sensory etc) which requires a team approach.

2.       May require more complex communication solutions including support.

3.       Who are in environments that require a high level of collaboration between team members. 

4.       Where successful implementation requires specialist knowledge of product and process. Examples where Level Two Credentials may apply:

o   Highly complex equipment that requires technical knowledge and support

o   School students who require joint assessments as per the protocol between the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education

o   People living in community houses or residential care

o   People with deteriorating conditions where needs are changing over time and require solutions that will continue to meet these changing needs.

In most instances Level Two assessors will be working for the MoH specialist provider, TalkLink Trust. If you are interested in becoming a Level Two assessor please contact ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz  

The first three Level One workshops are now full. If there are therapists who wish to undertake Level One training who have not registered for these workshops please contact dean.sutherland@caterbury.ac.nz (03) 364 2987 ext 7176. Please also note that it is anticipated that the Level One workshop will be available on-line in the near future.