San Diego State University (SDSU) has established a program entitled Post-Employment Training-American Indian Rehabilitation (PET-AIR). This project is a 21-unit advanced graduate certificate program designed to provide post-employment training for rehabilitation personnel who coordinate and manage programs for American Indian consumers served through the state-federal and Tribal rehabilitation systems.

The PET-AIR program will provide 3 separate one-week on-campus administrative training sessions at SDSU over the fifteen-month cycle. Monthly distance learning sessions will occur throughout the fifteen-month cycle. All of the topics are presented in a context that relates them to programs serving American Indian consumers.

Training content is selected to provide a focus on the most current and relevant issues that impact service delivery for individuals who are American Indian with a disability. The curriculum has placed increased emphasis on specific issues confronting American Indian consumers of rehabilitation. This training is intended to enable people to become more effective change agents and to work in teams to implement new programs, enhance the quality of existing programs and services, and provide consumer advocacy for American Indian individuals. This program is also intended to serve as a career ladder for rehabilitation professionals who have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to American Indian rehabilitation and will serve as the fliture leaders within their respective organizations.

The PET-AIR Program is a five-year training program designed to provide opportunities to American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation professional staff to pursue a 21-unit master level certificate in Rehabilitation Administration with an emphasis on Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program issues. Jim E. Warne will coordinate the PET-AIR program through the Interwork Institute/RCEP IX at San Diego State University. The first cycle of students will begin October 2000. The next cycle of students for PET-AIR is anticipated to begin in spring 2002.

COST?

The program expenses for Tribal VR professionals will be provided by the PET-AIR program. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), through the U.S. Department of Education, has funded the PET-AIR program to provide training and academic opportunities to Tribal VR professionals. Tuition, travel, hotel, per diem, and transportation expenses are covered for accepted PET-AIR

There is a $55 SDSU application fee that must be paid by the applicants.
applicant.

It is the intent of the PET-AIR to have a pool of graduates prepared to utilize their graduate level training to enhance the infrastructure of Tribal VR programs nationally. Another objective is to have PET-AIR graduates continue their academic pursuit for an MS in Rehabilitation. The PET-AIR units are designed to be transferable into other Rehabilitation MS programs. This program can be an opportunity for Tribal VR professionals to have a start on their academic path to an MS degree in Rehabilitation.

The Courses

All certificate courses are a part of the graduate curriculum of San Diego State University through the Administration, Rehabilitation, and Post-Secondary Education Department (ARPE).

Courses include:

• ARP 710A - Organization Development in Rehabilitation (3units)
  
• ARP 720 - Rehabilitation Personnel Management & Practices ( 3 units)
  
• ARP 740 Seminar in Rehabilitation Administration (6units)
  
• ARP 745 Internship in Rehabilitation Administration (3 units)
  
• ARP 755 Rehabilitation Governance & Policy Development (3 units)
  
• ARP 798 Special Study in Rehabilitation Administration (3 units)

For information and applications for the PET-AIR Program, contact:

Jim E. Warne
Phone: 619-594-6163
Email: jwarne@interwork.sdsu.edu

Note: Application for admission to San Diego State University is also required

The Pet-Air Community

Participants in this program have the opportunity to collaborate and conduct groupwork throughout the program. In addition to face to face meetings, thePet-Air community uses online tools and technologies to further discussion and teamwork.

Visit the PetAIR MA Community Pages