Braille and Access Technology Instructor

Braille Institute•Los Angeles, CA

27d•$28 - $32

About The Position

The Braille and Access Technology Instructor provides specialized, individualized instruction, assessment, and technical support in Braille literacy and assistive technology to people who are blind or visually impaired. The role teaches Braille reading and writing and helps clients develop skills to use assistive and adaptive technologies for greater independence, communication, education, and employment. The instructor assesses client needs, evaluates tools and solutions, and develops and adapts instruction to individual goals, abilities, learning styles, and experience levels. Instruction may be individual or in groups, in person or remotely. Topics include Unified English Braille, refreshable Braille displays, computers, smartphones, tablets, keyboards, screen readers, and other accessible technologies. The instructor configures devices, provides technical support and troubleshooting, and teaches clients how to integrate Braille displays with other devices and software. Advanced knowledge of Braille and assistive technology is required, including differences among display manufacturers, configurations, commands, features, and connection methods. The instructor also researches emerging technologies and keeps current with accessibility developments and instructional practices. The instructor collaborates with clients, families, educators, program staff, and, when applicable, the Department of Rehabilitation to identify goals, monitor progress, and support effective use of technology. The role prepares accessible instructional materials and curricula, maintains student records, and may deliver workshops and training to families, caregivers, and professionals. The position works in classroom environments that may be in person, hybrid, or exclusively online, and may also involve field work and regional travel. Volunteers may assist in classrooms, and the instructor trains and directs their work.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Education, Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of Braille literacy, assistive technology, screen readers, refreshable Braille displays, accessible document formats, and digital accessibility.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking clients in instructional service settings.
Familiarity with Windows, iOS, Microsoft Office, file management, device connectivity, and adaptive technology.
Knowledge of instructional methods for people who are blind or visually impaired and ability to adapt instruction to diverse learning needs.
Unified English Braille certificate or at least two years of Unified English Braille experience, including individual in-class and virtual instruction and classroom-based instruction.
Experience working with adult learners to teach or support Braille literacy.
Experience supporting assistive technology and refreshable Braille displays.
Prior instructional experience with blind or visually impaired learners.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Patience, creativity, and sensitivity to learners’ individual needs.
Training, assessment, research, computer, presentation, and time-management skills.
Ability to effectively teach visually impaired students in a particular field of expertise.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and adaptive tools and equipment; frequent standing and walking, some lifting, and possible regional travel are required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of accented characters and punctuation symbols in Spanish Braille.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized and small-group instruction in Unified English Braille, including uncontracted and contracted Braille, reading, writing, and practical applications.
Assess clients’ Braille and assistive technology skills and needs and identify appropriate equipment.
Configure, customize, and connect refreshable Braille displays with smartphones, tablets, laptops, keyboards, screen readers, and other devices.
Develop individualized Braille and assistive technology instruction based on client goals, abilities, equipment, and learning needs.
Collaborate with the Department of Rehabilitation, when applicable, regarding equipment information and client progress.
Provide instruction and technical support in JAWS, NVDA, Windows, iOS, file management, device connectivity, and integrated Braille and screen-reader workflows.
Test and evaluate devices, software, applications, accessibility features, commands, key combinations, Braille displays, and emerging assistive technologies for accessibility, compatibility, and effectiveness.
Support Braille literacy development, including reading fluency, writing accuracy, and functional use.
Prepare and adapt instructional materials in Braille and accessible formats, including tactile graphics and accessible documents.
Collaborate with program staff, educators, and families to support learner goals and progress.
Document instructional outcomes, maintain student progress records, and provide updates to stakeholders in accordance with program standards.
Attend PWGs as part of the learning process for applying new skills in the classroom.
Research subject matter and, in collaboration with the Educational Programs Director, develop curricula for classroom instruction.
Coordinate with the Educational Programs Director and educators across Braille Institute centers to maintain continuity in departmental instruction.
Prepare lesson plans as needed and gather supplies, adaptive devices, and other teaching materials.
Set up in-person and online classrooms with the supplies, tools, equipment, and materials needed for an effective and safe learning environment.
Prepare and maintain class forms and documentation, including attendance and student progress records.
May design and conduct regional seminars, workshops, and training sessions for families, caregivers, and professionals, and promote organizational programs and services in the community.
May participate in planning or preparing special events benefiting people with visual impairments.
Keep current on research, advances in Braille and assistive technology, and the organization’s programs, services, and relevant community resources.
Participate in professional development workshops and use available resources.
Train and direct volunteers assisting in classrooms.
Perform other duties as assigned; duties or tasks may change as the organization evolves.