Online MADD class

Taking the MADD Victim Impact Panel Course

Video explanation of the MADD Victim Impact Panel Course

I can take the MADD panel online now? Travis County will accept it?

Yes. MADD used to block the online class if you lived somewhere that offered an in-person class (like Austin). They have lifted that restriction now. I don’t know if it is because of the coronavirus or something else. Here is the link to the class.

Is it the same price?

No, in-person costs $25. The online class is $65 (you pay with a credit card at the beginning after the introduction video).

Why does it cost more?

No idea. However, the online class is very impressive. It clearly cost a lot of money to develop.

What is the difference between online and in-person?

They are both similar. Each one involves stories from people who lost a loved one or were severely injured in a drunk driving accident.

Which one would you recommend?

It depends on your finances and personality type. I have done both. The emotional impact of each one is the same (powerful). Personally, I would do the online class because it is private.

How long is the online class? How closely do I have to pay attention?

It takes about 1.5 hours to complete the program. They use your desktop camera and facial recognition software to make sure that you are in front of the computer. I do not know for sure that they were checking on me, but a green light by my laptop camera was definitely on. They also take a photo of you using your laptop camera before the class and after the class, and that photo will end up on your completion certificate. The main way that they make sure you paid attention is the quizzes at the end of each video (there are 3). The videos were about 20 minutes long and each quiz was 4 questions.

How do they know it is really me taking the class?

They take a picture of you and put it on the certificate.

How hard were the questions? Can I just use common sense?

The questions were tricky because they asked about specific things that people said or even something they were wearing. I had to take one quiz a few times to get it right. You cannot just use common sense to get the correct answers. You really have to pay attention.

Can I just half-way pay attention?

No. You will end up having to watch the video again. And trust me, you do not want to watch them again.

Do I need to take handwritten notes?

No. Just listen and watch.

How should I prepare to watch the video?

Find a quiet/private place. Have your credit/debit card available (you pay the $65 after the introduction video). And have a box of tissues. I am not exaggerating. You will likely cry.

Do they email the certificate?

Yes. They will email you a certificate. You can also download the certificate by selecting "Print" then "Save as PDF" on your computer.

I have more questions.

No problem. Email us.