Braille Assistant

Position Description Major Responsibilities

• Provides personal care for students.
• Prepares instructional material for lessons in a variety of alternate formats.
• Provides instruction in braille, specialized equipment and inclusive technology.
• Serves as a resource to classroom teachers related to the format and presentation of curriculum materials.
• Assists the teacher in implementing individualized programs to meet the varied and specialized needs of each student in a supportive learning environment. Participates, as required, as a member of the student’s learning team.
• Transcribes and interlines learning materials into braille.
• Produces printed resources in a variety of formats (i.e. large print, electronic text and tactile diagrams).
• Orders, maintains, and ensures the return of braille and alternate format resources.
• Ensures the safety of students in the school and community.
• Maintains an effective professional working relationship within the student’s learning team.
• Maintains confidentiality, and a patient and supportive commitment to students.
• Encourages students to develop and maintain positive interaction.
• Maintains a working knowledge of inclusive technology specific to students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary certificate or recognized vocational certificate in child care/development or behaviour management with demonstrated successful practicum experience working with students with special needs
• The completion of at least one full year (ten courses) of coursework towards an undergraduate degree in education is also acceptable.
• Graduate from a recognized post-secondary Teacher Assistant Certificate Program preferred
• Successful completion of at least one course and/or workshop in each of the following areas:
  • Duxbury (or other translation programs that the CBE may adopt)
  • Screen access programs (JAWS, Zoom Text or other programs that the CBE may adopt)
  • Scanning (Omni Page, Open Book or other optical character recognition programs that the CBE may adopt)
  • Production of tactile diagram and maps
  • Variety of inclusive technologies (including Braille note takers, Victor Reader Stream, Mountbatten Brailler, PIAF)
  • CorelDRAW
  • Nemeth Braille code for mathematical and scientific notation
  • Understanding visual impairments in the learning environment
• Successful completion of Literary Braille and Nemeth Braille and achieving marks of 80% or better on the CBE exams.
• Successful completion of Orientation & Mobility courses and achieving marks of 80% or better.
• Three years of full time related experience working with students who are blind or visually impaired
• Other equivalent combinations of directly related post-secondary education and directly related experience may be considered
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certificates (Child CPR Certificate is a strong asset)

• Working knowledge of braille
• Working knowledge of basic orientation and mobility techniques for the visually impaired
• Proven success in establishing and maintaining working relationships
• Ability to work effectively and independently with the degree of initiative appropriate to the position
• Working knowledge of computers and inclusive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired
• Ability to transcribe and interline learning materials into braille.
• Ability to produce printed resources in a variety of formats
• Ability and willingness to learn hotkeys
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain current Therapeutic Crisis Intervention or equivalent course
• Reliability and dependability
• Personal integrity and trustworthiness
• Success in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Ability to work effectively as an active team member in cooperation with other school personnel, parents/guardians, therapists, system resource personnel, and students
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with students
• Commitment to lifelong learning and willingness to regularly enhance skills and knowledge for professional development
• Ability to respect and value all individuals with sensitivity to diversity
• Ability to manage…