A collaborative team of University of Pittsburgh faculty and external partners has been awarded a five-year, $875,000 training grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
The grant, titled “Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Advanced Training in Rehabilitation Technology,” aims to expand the national workforce of highly skilled professionals delivering cutting-edge assistive technology (AT) services, with a focus on transition and vocational rehabilitation.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity to invest in the future of rehabilitation. These scholars will gain specialized, hands-on training to design and implement technology solutions that break down barriers for individuals with disabilities.”
– Mary Goldberg, co-director of Innovate, Educate, Elevate, and associate dean for interprofessional studies and associate professor of rehabilitation technology.
Each year, two students in the Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT) will be provided with full tuition, stipend and professional development for a total of 10 students throughout the grant’s term. The one-year MRT program prepares students for clinical, research and design careers in rehabilitation, industry and nonprofit settings. Its classes are online in synchronous and asynchronous format, with two weekend “Deep Dive” hands-on sessions in Pittsburgh, making it ideal for students who live locally as well as across the country and even internationally.
The continuing education, assistive technology professional (ATP) certification track will help 14 students each year, for a total of 70 over the five years. Working professionals from fields such as rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy and special education are encouraged to apply. The grant includes providing them with free access to online continuing education modules and a waived Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) ATP exam fee.
“The need for AT expertise is urgent and growing,” added Julie Faieta, co-director of Innovate, Educate, Elevate, and director of the Master of Rehabilitation Technology program. “By supporting both new and current professionals, we create a powerful multiplier effect that improves quality of life for thousands.”
Over the five years, the Innovate, Educate, Elevate initiative will have tremendous impact by supporting MRT students who will become leaders in rehabilitation technology, and providing advanced training to 70 current professionals to strengthen national AT service capacity. This opportunity will also foster collaboration between academia, clinicians, educators and policymakers to enhance accessibility and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
The project officially launched October 1, 2025, and recruitment for the MRT fall 2026 cohort is now open through August 15, 2026. The continuing education track has flexible entry with the ATP prep course offered in the fall semester.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please see the MRT scholarships webpage or contact Julie Faieta.
