Career Training Programs
World Services for the Blind offers a wide variety of career training programs both on campus and online. On-campus students receive full-time, immersive training at our Little Rock campus, while online programs provide flexible options for students who need to balance work, school, or other commitments.
With Zoom videoconferencing fully integrated into Canvas, online students can engage in real-time video discussions with instructors, participate in virtual classroom lectures, and collaborate with peers on assignments and projects. Even if your instructor isn’t immediately available, you can schedule group sessions with fellow students to ensure you stay on track and succeed in your coursework.
Our programs are designed to fit the dynamic lifestyles of today’s learners. Whether you work a full-time job, attend school, or simply want to expand your skills, WSB provides the support and flexibility you need to achieve your professional goals. For those who are unsure which path to pursue, WSB also offers online fundamental courses to help students explore programs and build confidence before committing to a full career training program.
Clients participating in Career training online courses through World Services for the Blind are recommended to have access to the following:
• Operating System: Windows 11 or Windows 10 (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 required, 16 GB recommended.
• Graphics: Integrated graphics supporting DirectX 12 or higher. Dedicated graphics card recommended for higher performance.
• Storage: 256 GB SSD required. 512 GB or larger SSD recommended for better performance.
• Internet: Minimum speed of 50 Mbps for smooth video conferencing and online access.
• Accessories: Functioning headphones with built-in microphone. Webcam (720p minimum, 1080p recommended).
• Additional Software: Up-to-date antivirus software and any assistive technology software required for course participation
World Services for the Blind provides comprehensive employment preparation for every student completing a career training program. With an 85% job placement rate, WSB demonstrates a strong commitment to helping graduates successfully enter the workforce.
In addition, WSB offers valuable opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, and work experience placements, enabling individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop the practical skills and real-world experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
Vocational Training Programs
Every program except for, Massage Therapy and IT Specialist are available for online study.
Accessibility Professional
World Services for the Blind is proud to offer pathways for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to become accessibility professionals. Through the Accessibility Professional course, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify a wide range of disabilities and accessibility challenges, effectively use assistive technologies, and distinguish between accessibility and usability.
Participants also explore local and international standards, laws, and management strategies, equipping them to develop actionable plans that support universally designed products and services. In addition, students complete a small business management course, helping them evaluate career pathways and prepare for a variety of employment opportunities after graduation.
Learn more about the Accessibility Professional Program Here
Image of keyboard with the words "Accessibility Professional"
teacher showing a magnifier to student with white text “assistive technology instructor available on-campus & online”
Assistive Technology Instructor
Our Certified Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) program equips students with the skills needed to become effective, highly employable professionals in the field of assistive technology. Coursework spans from computer fundamentals to advanced instructional methods, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in both technical knowledge and teaching expertise.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application, preparing students to meet the demands of today’s workforce with confidence. WSB offers two program tracks: the CATIS certification track and the WSB ATI track, allowing students to choose the pathway that best aligns with their career goals.
You can learn more about this program on the Assistive Technology Instructor Webpage
Business Start-up Microcredential
In partnership with the Forsythe Entrepreneurial Center at The Chicago Lighthouse and Miami University of Ohio, World Services for the Blind is proud to offer a first-of-its-kind Business Start-up Microcredential Certification for individuals interested in launching their own business.
Students who successfully complete the Starting a Business and Accounting Basics and Financial Reports workshops, along with Miami University’s CMR 105 Introduction to Marketing course, will earn a Business Start-up Microcredential Certificate from The Chicago Lighthouse and Miami University.
You can learn more about the Microcredential on the webpage.
Picture of a laptop and a notebook with the words "Business Start-up Microcredential"
back of woman’s head with a headset in focus and blurry computer with blue text “call center specialist on-campus and online" with wsb logo above
Call Center Specialist
Delivering exceptional customer service is essential for any organization seeking to build and maintain a loyal customer base. World Services for the Blind’s eight-week Call Center Specialist program equips participants with a comprehensive skill set, preparing them to confidently succeed as call center professionals upon graduation.
collage of images from left to right: it specialist graduation, clients and staff working on computer, client holding an iphone close to their head in focus, clients working on a computer. text underneath in white “IT specialist”
IT Specialist
Our IT Specialist program is tailored towards blind and visually impaired individuals seeking a career in information technology. Students are given the tools and resources to guide them on their path to certification of their choosing from CompTIA Tech+, A+, Network+,Security+, and Data+, as well as Microsoft 365 admin expert, while working alongside the organization’s IT department to gain real world, hands-on, practical experience.
Licensed Massage Therapist Certification
The field of massage therapy is experiencing rapid growth, with employment projected to grow 18% to 32% between 2020 and 2033. World Services for the Blind’s Licensed Massage Therapist Certification Program is designed to meet this rising demand, providing training that prepares individuals who are blind or visually impaired for meaningful, in-demand careers.
Graduates of the program are equipped to work in a variety of settings. Approximately 42% of massage therapists are self-employed, making it the most common work arrangement. Other key employment settings include personal care services (30%), chiropractic offices (6%), and hospitality/accommodation (6%). Many therapists work in multiple settings, with up to 45% of consumer massages occurring in private offices and 25% in spas. By combining industry-relevant skills with professional preparation, WSB helps students achieve rewarding careers in a growing and flexible profession.
relaxed woman receiving a massage with white text “licensed massage therapist certification available on-campus”
overhead photo of a computer and stethescope with white writing “certified medical billing”
Certified Medical Billing Representative
Certified Medical Billing Representatives play a vital role in the healthcare and health information technology sectors. As medical offices transition from paper records to electronic systems, opportunities are increasingly accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired with the necessary technical skills.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, administrative support centers, and medical laboratories. With a wide range of organizations seeking qualified professionals, the medical billing field offers a dynamic job market with diverse career options. Many positions also provide remote or work-from-home opportunities, offering flexibility in a 24/7 healthcare environment.
Becoming a certified medical biller is an excellent entry point into the broader medical administration career pathway. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical billing and coding specialists is projected to grow by between 7% and 11% from 2022 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This program is available fully online, allowing students to gain valuable skills from anywhere.
Microsoft Office Specialist
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program prepares adults who are blind or visually impaired to successfully earn Microsoft Office certifications. Students gain the skills needed to thrive in an office environment or pursue roles as first-level application support specialists.
The program includes comprehensive training in Microsoft Office products, delivered using assistive technologies such as screen readers or magnification software tailored to each student’s needs. This hands-on, accessible training ensures students are fully equipped to succeed in today’s technology-driven workplace.
Visit the Microsoft Office Specialistt Webpage to learn more!
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overhead photo of computer keyboard and various office supplies with wsb logo in the middle and blue text “office essentials on-campus & online”
Office Essentials
Our Office Essentials program is designed to meet the unique needs of each student. By combining aspects of Microsoft Office Specialist, Call Center Specialist, Assistive Technology, and employment preparation, this comprehensive program ensures students receive the most current, practical, and career-focused instruction. With this integrated approach, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce confidently and successfully.
Small Business Management
Our Small Business program is designed to guide individuals through the key steps of starting and managing their own business. Participants learn to develop a comprehensive business plan, register their business with their state, comply with IRS requirements, and explore strategies for raising capital. This hands-on approach equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to launch and sustain a successful business.
Assistive Technology for BEP Operators
This training equips Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operators with essential technology skills to run their businesses efficiently. Participants receive one-on-one instruction and training through Canvas LMS on assistive tools, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Square POS. Graduates leave with confidence in navigating systems, managing files, and leveraging technology to enhance sales, maintain records, and stay digitally connected.
Workforce Development
World Services for the Blind (WSB) offers Workforce Development Services to provide individuals with visual impairments the tools and training needed to enhance and sustain employability. Through our pre-vocational and vocational programs, we equip jobseekers with the skills and education that employers value, helping individuals become more marketable while reducing on-the-job training costs and turnover for employers. WSB focuses on supporting competitive, integrated employment for clients through job preparation, coaching, and access to resources such as local job fairs, employment workshops, and virtual career events.
During the first 30 days, clients undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their unique needs. An Interpretive Career Report is provided to both the client and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, detailing career interests, training potential, job satisfaction indicators, and career recommendations. Assessments are conducted with the support of qualified workforce staff and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, ensuring individualized guidance.
Based on this assessment, each client receives a personalized program addressing employability and career readiness. Training may include:
Academic skill development and remediation
Assistive technology and computer literacy
Daily living, orientation, and mobility skills
Resume creation and updating
Interview preparation, including mock interviews and “dress for success” skills
Soft skills and essential workplace competencies
This structured approach helps clients prepare for pre-vocational or vocational programs and guides them toward meaningful employment in their area of interest.
Internships
WSB provides internships, on-the-job training, and work experience programs to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired gain the knowledge and skills required for specific jobs. When carefully planned and monitored, these opportunities serve as a valuable pathway for developing practical job skills and building confidence in the workplace.
Work opportunities may be unpaid, paid, or include a stipend, depending on the requirements of your state agency and your individualized employment plan. These programs are available for WSB vocational program graduates, clients seeking to build work experience or employment history, and professionals looking to gain additional skills in one of our many career tracks.
For more information, please contact training@wsblind.org.