Training technicians in Rehabilitation Engineering and Accessibility

Acronym of the case:

Degree REA

Web address of the case:

http://www.utad.pt/pt/ensino_formacao/1ciclo/...

Country of the case:

Portugal

City/region:

Vila Real (TrÃ¡s-os-Montes e Alto Douro)

Posting Date:

26 November 2007

Last Edited Date:

14 August 2008

Author:

Francisco Alexandre Ferreira Biscaia Godinho (Universidade de TrÃ¡s-os-Montes e Alto Douro)

universities | skills | course

Type of initiative

Other

Case Abstract

UTAD launched in the academic year 2007/8 what is believed to be the first Bachelor degree course in Rehabilitation Engineering in Europe, according to the 1st cycle of the Bologna model, over six semesters and 180 ECTS. The aim of this course is to train skilled technicians able to use ICT to increase quality of life of people with special needs (handicapped people, the elderly and people suffering long-term handicapping illness) in areas such as access to technology and services, education, employment, health, functional rehabilitation, mobility and transportation, independent living, leisure. The course addresses the need for professionals in a specific domain, as identified in the â€œNational Programme for the Participation of Citizens with Special Needs in the Information Societyâ€ and in the â€œNational Plan to promote Accessibilityâ€, launched in 2003 and 2006, respectively.

Description of the case

Domain

eInclusion

Topic

eAccessibility | ICT and Aging | Digital literacy and competences

Sector

Education, Science and Research

Start date - End date

September 2007 (Ongoing)

Date operational

September 2007

Target Users

SMEs, associations and intermediaries

Target Users Description

Students seeking a career in rehabilitation engineering and accessibility

Scope

National

Status

Operation

Language(s)

Portuguese

Policy Context and Legal Framework

The course addresses the need for professionals in a specific domain, as identified in the â€œNational Programme for the Participation of Citizens with Special Needs in the Information Societyâ€ and in the â€œNational Plan to promote Accessibilityâ€, launched in 2003 and 2006, respectively.

Project Size and Implementation

Type of initiative

Training and education

Overall Implementation approach

Public administration

Technology choice

Not applicable/not available

Funding source

Public funding national

Project size

Implementation: Not applicable/not available

Implementation and Management Approach

The syllabus of this course relies on interdisciplinary topics spanning several domains , from those of technological emphasis (IT, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, Rehabilitation Engineering and Accessibility) to social sciences (Rehabilitation, Gerontology, Management, Social Service).

Impact, innovation and results

Impact

The impact of this course stems from the fact that it is the first of its kind in Europe, following the Bologna model.

The number of students enrolled in the first academic year (2007-8) is 30, and the first Bachelors are expected to finish it in 2010.

Lessons learnt

Too soon to draw conclusions.

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