Career Training Programs
All career training programs are available online except Massage Therapy and IT Specialist.
World Services for the Blind offers a wide range of career training programs on campus and online. On-campus students receive full-time, immersive training at our Little Rock campus. Online programs provide flexibility for students who need to balance work, school, or other commitments.
Online students use Canvas and Zoom to connect with instructors and classmates. Students can participate in live video discussions, attend virtual lectures, and collaborate on assignments and projects. They can also schedule group study sessions with classmates when an instructor is not immediately available.
Our programs are designed to help students build skills and prepare for their career goals while fitting their individual schedules. Students who are unsure which career path to pursue can begin with our online Fundamental Courses to explore different programs and build confidence before committing to full career training.
Students participating in WSB’s online career training programs are recommended to have access to the following:
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
Accessories: Working headphones with a built-in microphone and a webcam with at least 720p resolution (1080p recommended)
Software: Up-to-date antivirus software and any assistive technology software required for course participation
World Services for the Blind provides employment preparation for every student who completes a career training program. WSB has an 85% job placement rate, reflecting our focus on helping graduates transition into the workforce.
Students can also gain practical experience through internships, on-the-job training, and work experience placements. These opportunities allow students who are blind or visually impaired to apply their skills in real-world settings and prepare for success in their chosen careers.
Accessibility Professional
WSB’s Accessibility Professional course prepares individuals who are blind or visually impaired for careers in the accessibility field. Students learn to identify disabilities and accessibility challenges, use assistive technology effectively, and understand the difference between accessibility and usability.
Students also study local and international accessibility standards, laws, and management strategies. They learn how to develop practical plans that support universally designed and accessible products and services.
A small business management course is also included, helping students explore career options and prepare for employment or self-employment after graduation.
Assistive Technology Instructor
WSB’s Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) program prepares students to provide assistive technology instruction and support. Coursework covers computer fundamentals, assistive technology, and advanced instructional methods, giving students a strong foundation in both technical skills and teaching.
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on, real-world training to help students apply what they learn in practical settings.
WSB offers two ATI pathways:
WSB ATI Track: Provides training for students seeking to become Assistive Technology Instructors through WSB’s program.
CATIS Certification Track: Prepares students to pursue the Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) credential.
Students can choose the pathway that best fits their career goals.
Business Start-up Microcredential
In partnership with the Forsythe Entrepreneurial Center at The Chicago Lighthouse and Miami University of Ohio, WSB offers a Business Start-Up Microcredential for individuals interested in starting their own business.
To earn the Business Start-Up Microcredential Certificate, students must successfully complete:
Starting a Business workshop
Accounting Basics and Financial Reports workshop
Miami University’s CMR 105 Introduction to Marketing course
The certificate is awarded by The Chicago Lighthouse and Miami University upon successful completion of all required coursework.
Call Center Specialist
WSB’s eight-week Call Center Specialist program prepares students for careers in customer service and call center environments. Students develop the communication, customer service, and professional skills needed to work effectively with customers and succeed in a call center role.
IT Specialist
WSB’s IT Specialist program prepares people who are blind or visually impaired for careers in information technology. Students develop practical IT skills while working alongside WSB’s IT department to gain hands-on, real-world experience.
Students receive training and resources to prepare for industry certifications that align with their career goals, including:
CompTIA Tech+
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Data+
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
This combination of technical training, certification preparation, and practical experience helps students build the skills needed to pursue careers in IT.
Licensed Massage Therapist Certification
WSB’s Licensed Massage Therapist Certification Program prepares people who are blind or visually impaired for careers in the growing field of massage therapy. Students develop the professional and technical skills needed to work with clients and provide effective massage services.
Graduates may pursue employment in a variety of settings, including personal care businesses, chiropractic offices, spas, hospitality settings, and private practices. Massage therapy also offers opportunities for self-employment and flexible work arrangements.
The program combines hands-on training with professional preparation to help students build the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in massage therapy.
Certified Medical Billing Representative
WSB’s Certified Medical Billing program prepares people who are blind or visually impaired for careers in medical billing and healthcare administration. Students develop the technical and professional skills needed to work with electronic health records, billing systems, and other healthcare information.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, medical laboratories, and administrative support settings. Medical billing can also provide opportunities for remote and work-from-home employment.
Certification in medical billing can serve as an entry point into the broader field of medical administration. This program is offered fully online, allowing students to complete their training from anywhere.
Microsoft Office Specialist
WSB’s Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program prepares adults who are blind or visually impaired to earn Microsoft Office certifications and develop skills for today’s workplace. Students may use these skills to pursue office-based careers or entry-level application support roles.
Training covers Microsoft Office applications and is adapted to each student’s needs using screen readers, magnification software, and other assistive technologies. Hands-on instruction helps students build the technical skills and confidence needed to use Microsoft Office effectively in the workplace.
Office Essentials
WSB’s Office Essentials program is designed to meet the individual needs and career goals of each student. The program combines Microsoft Office, call center skills, assistive technology, and employment preparation to provide practical, career-focused training.
This integrated approach helps students develop the technical, communication, and workplace skills needed to pursue employment and succeed in an office environment.
Small Business Management
WSB’s Small Business program guides students through the key steps of starting and managing their own business. Students learn how to:
Develop a comprehensive business plan
Register a business with their state
Understand and meet IRS requirements
Explore options for raising capital
Apply practical strategies for managing a business
The program combines practical instruction with hands-on activities to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to start and manage a business.
Assistive Technology for BEP Operators
WSB provides one-on-one technology training for Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operators to help them manage their businesses efficiently. Through hands-on instruction and WSB’s Canvas learning platform, participants learn to use:
Assistive technology
Microsoft Word and Excel
Square point-of-sale (POS) systems
File management and other digital tools
Training helps BEP operators use technology to manage records, process sales, organize files, and stay connected in today’s digital workplace.
Workforce Development
World Services for the Blind (WSB) provides Workforce Development Services to help people who are blind or visually impaired build the skills needed to prepare for and maintain employment. Through pre-vocational and vocational training, clients develop academic, technical, workplace, and career-readiness skills.
WSB supports competitive, integrated employment through job preparation, coaching, and access to employment resources such as local job fairs, employment workshops, and virtual career events.
Assessment and Career Planning
During their first 30 days, each client completes a comprehensive assessment to identify their strengths, needs, career interests, and training goals. An Interpretive Career Report is provided to both the client and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
The report includes:
Career interests and goals
Training potential
Job satisfaction indicators
Career recommendations
Assessments are conducted with support from qualified workforce development staff and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. The results are used to create an individualized training plan based on each client’s needs and career goals.
Employment Preparation
Training may include:
Academic skill development and remediation
Assistive technology and computer skills
Daily living skills
Orientation and mobility
Resume development and updating
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Professional appearance and workplace readiness
Soft skills and essential workplace competencies
This individualized approach helps clients prepare for pre-vocational or vocational training and develop the skills needed to pursue meaningful employment in their chosen career field.
Internships and Work Experience
WSB offers internships, on-the-job training, and work experience opportunities to help people who are blind or visually impaired develop practical skills for specific jobs. These opportunities allow participants to apply their training in real-world work settings, build experience, and strengthen workplace skills.
Work opportunities may be paid, unpaid, or include a stipend, depending on state agency requirements and each participant’s individualized employment plan.
These opportunities may be available to:
WSB vocational program graduates
Clients who need to build work experience or an employment history
Professionals seeking additional training or experience in one of WSB’s career fields