ATP Assistive Technology Professional (RESNA) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which mounting consideration is most critical when positioning a AAC device on a wheelchair?
- Ensuring the device displays toward the communication partner
- Mounting height, angle, and stability to allow reliable access while maintaining visibility to partners (Correct answer)
- Choosing the lightest possible mounting arm
- Placing the device at waist level for easy reach
Correct answer: Mounting height, angle, and stability to allow reliable access while maintaining visibility to partners
Effective AAC mounting balances user access angle and reach with partner-facing display orientation while ensuring the mount is stable during mobility.
Question 2: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act primarily requires accessibility from:
- Private businesses with more than 15 employees
- Federal agencies and entities receiving federal funding (Correct answer)
- All consumer electronics manufacturers
- State-run schools and universities only
Correct answer: Federal agencies and entities receiving federal funding
Section 508 mandates that federal agencies make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
Question 3: A child with cerebral palsy has strong involuntary extensor tone. The BEST seating strategy to reduce extensor thrust is:
- Anterior tilt of the seat to 15 degrees to activate hip flexion
- Positioning hips in 90-degree flexion with a solid seat insert and appropriate foot support (Correct answer)
- Elevating the footrests to encourage hip extension
- Using a reclined seat back to distribute pressure
Correct answer: Positioning hips in 90-degree flexion with a solid seat insert and appropriate foot support
Proper hip flexion at 90 degrees with stable foot support reduces the stimulus for extensor thrust and promotes neutral postural alignment.
Question 4: When conducting a cognitive assessment for AT, which factor most directly impacts a user's ability to independently operate a complex AAC device?
- The user's age at time of disability onset
- Symbolic understanding, memory, and executive function (Correct answer)
- The number of languages the user speaks
- Visual acuity corrected with lenses
Correct answer: Symbolic understanding, memory, and executive function
Cognitive abilities such as symbolic understanding, working memory, and executive function determine how complex an AT interface the user can manage independently.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of AT for environmental control that benefits individuals with severe physical disabilities?
- Weighted pencil for tremor reduction
- Smart home hub controlled by switch, voice, or eye-gaze to operate lights and appliances (Correct answer)
- Non-slip mat under keyboard
- Screen reader software on a laptop
Correct answer: Smart home hub controlled by switch, voice, or eye-gaze to operate lights and appliances
Environmental control systems (ECS) allow individuals with severe physical limitations to independently manage home devices through alternative access methods.
Question 6: The RESNA Code of Ethics requires ATPs to maintain competency primarily by:
- Purchasing the newest AT devices annually
- Pursuing continuing education and staying current with evolving AT research and practice (Correct answer)
- Consulting with insurance companies before making recommendations
- Limiting practice to the AT domain of their initial certification
Correct answer: Pursuing continuing education and staying current with evolving AT research and practice
RESNA's Code of Ethics obligates ATPs to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and expand competency as the AT field evolves.
Question 7: Which pressure mapping finding would most directly indicate need for a seat cushion upgrade for a full-time wheelchair user?
- Symmetrical pressure distribution across the ischial tuberosities
- Pressure peaks exceeding 200 mmHg over bony prominences (Correct answer)
- Slight lateral weight shift to the non-dominant side
- Low pressure under the thighs
Correct answer: Pressure peaks exceeding 200 mmHg over bony prominences
High focal pressures (often cited above 100–200 mmHg) over bony prominences such as the ischial tuberosities significantly increase risk of pressure injuries.
ATP Assistive Technology Professional (RESNA) 4
Which mounting consideration is most critical when positioning a AAC device on a wheelchair?