Assistive Technology Instructor

Applicants to the Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) Program should have:

• A high school diploma, GED, or state-approved high school equivalency

• Successful completion of the AT Fundamentals comprehensive assessment

• A print reading speed of 100 words per minute with at least 75% comprehension

• A Braille reading speed of 30 words per minute for primary Braille users, or 10 words per minute for non-Braille users

• A typing speed of 30 words per minute

• 12th-grade spelling and grammar skills

• Strong independent living and travel skills for on-campus students

• Strong logical reasoning and problem-solving skills

• The ability to learn and retain new information

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills

• The ability to work in a high-tech environment

• The ability to adapt to changing technology and work environments

Description The Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) Program covers technical skills, instructional methods, assistive technology, and client support. Topics include:

Assistive Technology and Accessibility

• JAWS — certification required

• ZoomText/Fusion — certification required

• NVDA — certification required

• Windows accessibility features

• iOS devices and accessibility features

• Braille displays

• Magnification hardware

• Recording devices

• Optical character recognition (OCR)

• Assistive technology for activities of daily living

• Equipment recommendations

Microsoft Office and IT

• Microsoft Word — teaching certification required

• Microsoft Excel — teaching certification required

• Microsoft Outlook — teaching certification required

• Microsoft PowerPoint — teaching certification required

• IT fundamentals

Instruction and Assessment

• Lesson plan writing

• Report writing

• Technical and manual writing

• Learning styles and assessment

• Multimodal learning and assessment

• Educational psychology

Client Support and Specialized Topics

• The human eye and vision

• Multiple disabilities

• Case managementtext goes here

Students in WSB’s on-campus Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) Program have hands-on access to a wide range of assistive technology devices similar to those they may encounter in professional settings.

Students pursuing CATIS certification can also work with a broad selection of APH products and devices used in K–12 education. Because ATI professionals assess clients, recommend assistive technology, and provide training, the AT Lab gives students opportunities to practice these skills using real devices and, when available, real-world assessment situations.

Braille Displays

• Chameleon 20

• Focus 40

• Mantis

• Monarch full-page Braille display

• Dot Pad full-page Braille display

Braille Writers

• Perkins Light-Touch Braille Writers

Computers

• Windows 11 desktop computers

• iOS desktop computers

• Chromebooks

Mobile Devices

• iPhone

• iPad

• BlindShell 3

Other Assistive Technology

• Meta glasses

• Tippy keyboard — reversible single-hand keyboard

• jPad switch

• AbleNet switch

• Pearl camera

• QuickTalker AAC device

• Proloquo2Go AAC mobile app

• User-interface tactile overlays

APH Devices

• Juno video magnifier

• Jupiter portable magnifier

• MATT Connect

• VideoMag HD

• Neptune scanner

• PageBlaster embosser

• PixBlaster embosser

• Paige Connect

• SMART Brailler

• Braille Buzz

• Polly

• Code Jumper

• Code and Go Robot Mouse

• Joy Player

• Select Switch

• LED Mini Light Box with LED sets and overlays

• Snap Circuits Jr.

• RC Snap Rover

• Snap Circuits BRIC Structures

• Snapino

Online learning requires self-discipline, time management, and consistent study habits. Students are expected to:

• Check the course syllabus daily for upcoming assignments, projects, and deadlines.

• Check email multiple times each day to maintain regular communication with instructors.

• Monitor the Learning Management System (LMS) and email for announcements about webinars, video conferences, lectures, and other course activities.

• Set aside at least four hours each day for reading course materials and completing or responding to discussion posts.

• Add guest lectures and other scheduled activities to their personal calendars. Some activities may be scheduled outside regular business hours to accommodate students who work full time.

Weekly Time Commitment

WSB programs are designed around a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week for coursework. Depending on the program, this time may include clinical, practical, or hands-on training.

Students who cannot consistently meet this time commitment may have difficulty keeping pace with program requirements and may be subject to academic probation or dismissal from WSB.

Students participating in WSB’s online career training programs should have access to a computer and internet connection that meet the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11, fully updated

• Processor: Minimum: Intel Core i3 (8th generation or newer) or AMD equivalent. Recommended: Intel Core i5 or i7 (10th generation or newer)

• RAM: 8 GB minimum; 16 GB recommended

• Graphics: Integrated graphics supporting DirectX 12 or higher. A dedicated graphics card is recommended for higher performance.

• Storage: 256 GB SSD minimum; 512 GB or larger recommended

• Internet: Minimum download speed of 50 Mbps for reliable video conferencing and online coursework

• Headset: Headphones with a working built-in microphone

• Webcam: 720p minimum; 1080p recommended

• Software: Up-to-date antivirus software and any assistive technology software required for course participation