Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist

Overbrook School for the Blind • Philadelphia, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) at Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Program Supervisor. The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree Teacher of the Visually Impaired or Vision Rehabilitation, or a related field.
• Current ACVREP Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) credential or equivalent nationally recognized assistive technology certification.
• Demonstrated experience providing AT assessment, consultation, implementation, and training.
• Experience working with students with visual disabilities.
• Demonstrated competency with accessible technology.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) certification.
• Experience with braille technology and accessible digital materials.
• Experience working with students with deafblindness.
• Experience with working with students with CVI.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, assessment, consultation, training, implementation, and ongoing support related to assistive technology (AT) and accessible educational technology for students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities.
• Works collaboratively with teachers, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), related service providers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, nurses, families, paraeducators, and other members of the educational team to ensure that each student has meaningful access to communication, instruction, literacy, technology, mobility, recreation, employment preparation, and increased independence.
• Identifies and implements technology-based solutions that address individual student needs and builds the capacity of staff and families to use these tools effectively across educational and functional environments.
• Continues professional development through attendance at in-service training provided by the school and through seeking additional training pertinent to the children in their care. This would include obtaining certification in visual impairment, if not already obtained, and eventually obtaining Level II Certification.
• Conducts comprehensive assistive technology assessments for students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities.
• Evaluates students' access to educational materials, communication systems, computers, tablets, mobile devices, digital learning platforms, and environmental controls.
• Considers the interaction between vision, hearing, cognition, motor abilities, communication, sensory needs, and other disabilities when recommending technology.
• Participates in IEP meetings and provides recommendations regarding AT needs, services, accommodations, supplementary aids, and accessible instructional materials.
• Assists educational teams in determining whether AT should be incorporated into a student's specially designed instruction, related services, accommodations, or supplementary aids and services.
• Recommends technology that supports communication across educational, residential, community, and vocational environments.
• Provides individual and group training to teachers, related service providers, interveners, instructional assistants, residential staff, and other school personnel.
• Develops and delivers professional development related to assistive technology and accessibility.
• Provides hands-on training and coaching following the introduction of new technology.
• Develops user-friendly training materials, quick-reference guides, videos, and other resources.
• Collaborates with curriculum staff and teachers to ensure that instructional materials are accessible to students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities.
• Consults regarding accessible digital documents, electronic books, braille materials, tactile graphics, audio materials, and other formats.
• Identifies accessibility barriers within educational software, websites, learning management systems, and digital curriculum.
• Assists with selection, procurement, configuration, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of AT equipment.
• Maintains appropriate records of AT equipment assigned to students.
• Provides consultation and training to parents and caregivers regarding student-specific AT.
• Assists families in understanding, maintaining, and using technology outside of school.
• Participates in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Maintains certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• Maintains a safe and age-appropriate environment for students.
• Uses school equipment and facilities properly.
• Follows the OSB Handbook and guidelines.
• Maintains a professional attitude at all times and fulfills assigned duties and special activities.
• Contributes as a member of the program team to the long-range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• Demonstrates problem-solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• Demonstrates good time management skills.
• Demonstrates good written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrates competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students. This information will be used to design and implement the student program.
• Demonstrates skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• Demonstrates the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrates crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience
• Liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level