The Adaptive Equipment Resource Teacher (AERT) works with the Occupational and Physical Therapy Services Department. The AERT is an itinerant position. The AERT collaborates with OT/PT staff members on the design, construction and implementation of adaptive equipment and materials required to meet the unique needs of students so they can access and participate in their learning environments.  The AERT is responsible for the intake, inventorying, and tracking of all adaptive equipment and materials ordered by the OT/PT services department and may assist in the delivery of these items.  The AERT may also assist with the minor repair of existing therapy equipment and perform other duties as requested by the Occupational/Physical Therapist Instructional Specialists.   

 

Designing, constructing and assisting other teachers and therapists in the implementation of customized therapy equipment for students birth to 21 years of age;

Providing assistance at staff meetings and/or other  professional development activities as requested by  the Occupational and Physical Therapist Instructional Specialists  or other staff members;

Inventorying, assisting in the transporting of and tracking new and existing therapy equipment;

Attending Occupational and Physical therapy staff meetings as needed or requested;

Having the ability to network with volunteer organizations for equipment utilization;

Recommending needed materials within an allocated  budget; 

Maintaining all shop equipment in working order;

Maintaining a safe shop and warehouse working environment;

Maintaining documentation as it relates to equipment design and construction, the  acquisition of materials, trainings and other pertinent job activities; 

Attending continuing education courses to enhance knowledge and skills related to adaptive equipment and environmental ergonomics; and

Performing other related duties as assigned.

 

 

 

Knowledge of the characteristics and needs of students with a variety of disabilities and special needs, and strategies for meeting identified needs;

Knowledge of child and adolescent development, medical conditions and physical disabilities;

Ability to collaborate with occupational and/or physical therapy staff to create, design and implement adaptive equipment and materials to support appropriate student positioning for access and participation in any learning environment;

Knowledge and upkeep of common hand, portable power and floor mounted power shop tools;

Knowledge of sewing, troubleshooting electronics basics, woodworking and plastic fabrication;

The ability to adhere to the policies of the LEA and procedures of the department and school buildings;

Knowledge of Mac and PC operating systems and software which may include, but not be limited to, the Windows Office Suite or something comparable;

Effective oral and written communication skills; and

Effective interpersonal skills.

 

 

 

Bachelor of Arts and/or Science from an accredited college or university program; Prior experience in the design, construction and implementation of adaptive equipment preferred but not required.

 

 

 

Current Maryland teacher certificate in special education and/or physical education, or Maryland licensure as an occupational or physical therapist.

 

 

No direct supervisory responsibilities.



The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.




The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.




None.