Accreditation in Communication Assistive Technology (CAT) allows you to assess and recommend solutions for people who have:
communication impairments (face-to-face and/or written communication)
mobility impairments, and who need support to control their environment.
The level 1 credential covers low to mid technology solutions such as:
static display devices
keyboard devices that don’t require complex programming
tablet devices (‘direct access’, no complex environment factors).
Who is eligible?
The following health professionals can apply for this credential:
occupational therapists
visiting neuro-developmental occupational therapists
speech language therapists.
What are the accreditation requirements?
You will need to:
add Provisional Communication Assistive Technology (Level 1) as an accreditation
complete the Communication Assistive Technology (Level 1) online module in Assessor Online
participate in clinical supervision
add Communication Assistive Technology (Level 1) as an accreditation
have a supervisor complete an "employer declaration" to verify your competency.
You must complete all these requirements within two years from the date you apply for your provisional accreditation.
Clinical supervision
You must participate in clinical supervision related to Communication Assistive Technology assessment. Supervision should be undertaken with another person who is already approved as a Communication Assistive Technology assessor.
Your employer may already have a supervision system in place. If not, this person can be a work colleague or peer. It is not necessary for your supervisor to be in a more senior position. For example, two work colleagues who are currently credentialed assessors may provide supervision for each other.
If your employer cannot provide a suitable supervisor or you are self-employed, your professional association or TalkLink may be able to provide supervision services. An external supervisor may require payment of a supervision fee (to be met by the assessor or their employer).
Find out more about TalkLink's assessor services
When your supervisor has submitted an employer declaration form you will be granted the full accreditation.
How does my supervisor complete the employer declaration form?
Your employer/supervisor will be emailed instructions on how to complete the online employer declaration form. They will need to be registered with Assessor Online to complete this step.
You will be granted the accreditation when we have received their online form. We will email you to let you know your accreditation has been granted.
When does this accreditation expire?
The credential is valid for three years and you can renew the credential up to six months before your expiry date.
To re-credential for Communication Assistive Technology (Level 1) you will need to:
complete a minimum of 9 assessments for people who have level 1 communication assistive technology needs over three years
complete a minimum of 12 hours of professional development and training specific to communication assistive technology over three years
apply to be re-credentialed every three years using Assessor Online
have your supervisor endorse your application to renew your credential
Note the following areas can be included in the assessments:
The sole need is complex communication or they are emergent communicators.
The requirement for low to mid technology communication solutions (e.g. static display devices, keyboard devices that do not require complex programming knowledge).
The assessment does not need to result in an application for Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People funded equipment and may be the result of a review where adjustments/modifications were required to meet changed needs.
Reference material
Communication assistive technology competency framework
Recredentialing Requirements for communication assistive technology