37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Has Concluded

World Services for the Blind path to Certified AT Instructor

Date & Time

Friday, March 18, 2022 - 9:20 AM PST

Location

Grand ABCD

Description

Approved by the Academy for the Certification of Vision and Rehabilitation and Education Professionals, World Services for the Blind presents a path to certification as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for the Blind and Visually impaired. Participants of this session will learn the Catis exam process and requirements, explore our course Curriculum, and discover employment outlook for our graduates. Participants will take away a strong understanding of the Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist credential and be able to identify the skills needed to become an Assistive Technology Instructor no matter their current education level. World Services for the Blind has an 85% employment placement rate among graduates of our Assistive Technology Instructor program. Students in our program learn to teach individuals the functional use of a wide variety of AT hardware and software. Students also develop an instructional mindset with 350 supervised direct service hours, leaving the program with a toolkit they will be able to use in every teaching role. Students will leave the program with the following skills: • Demonstrate a working understanding of teaching technique and theory. •Conduct comprehensive assessments on clients for determining their needs based on the client, the context in which the technology will be used, and the client’s skills and abilities. •Write recommendation reports based on assessment data. •Analyze unfamiliar hardware or software, identify its functions and features, and create lesson plans for the technology. •Pass the JAWS for Windows, NVDA, and ZoomText certification examinations, with a score of at least 80%. •Demonstrate an understanding of assessment frameworks and interview techniques. •Show a basic understanding of the ocular system and understand the rudiments of reading a student’s visual acuity report. •Pass all Microsoft Instructional Mastery Exams. These exams measure the client’s proficiency with Microsoft applications, as well as the client’s understanding of how access technologies interact with those applications •Participate with other students as part of a team and display networking skills. •Demonstrate professional conduct •Read braille at 10 words per minute and exhibit a working understanding of braille displays, literacy, and practical use •Demonstrate an understanding of both hardware and software magnification solutions. Hardware magnifiers include handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and CCTV’s (closed Circuit Televisions. Software-based magnification systems include Windows Magnifier, Zoom Text Magnifier, and magnification applications found on smartphones. Occupations available to Successful graduates of the ATI program •Assistive technology instructor/trainer (organization-based or field work positions); •Access Technology consultant •Assistive technology support technician (remote or office-based positions); •Independent AT assessment/ instructor trainer as a state vendor •Website accessibility consultant (company or independent contractor-based positions).

Audience

Higher Education
Disability Specific
K-12 Education
Healthcare & Rehabilitation
Employment & Human Resources

Audience Level

Beginning

Session Summary (Abstract)

World Services for the Blind presents a path to certification as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for the Blind and Visually impaired. Participants of this session will learn the CATIS exam process and requirements, explore our course Curriculum, and discover employment opportunities.

Session Type

General Track

Topics