E-learning for assistive technology professionals--a review of the TELEMATE project

The Telematic Multidisciplinary Assistive Technology Education project (TELEMATE) was conducted during 1998-2001 by a consortium of seven European organisations involved in rehabilitation engineering and education. Assistive technology professionals work in a rapidly developing field but are few in number and widely dispersed, therefore, electronic delivery of their education is particularly advantageous. TELEMATE took existing concepts and standards in education to create and test an e-learning framework. As well as providing an appropriate learning environment, the aim was to share teaching resources and encourage a sound and consistent understanding of assistive technology across the European Union. This paper explores work carried out and the subsequent outcomes of the project.