Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist

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.

Organizational

Description:

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.

Job Functions:

The Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) provides leadership, assessment, consultation, training, implementation, and ongoing support related to assistive (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). accessible educational technology for students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities.

The CATIS works collaboratively with teachers, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), related service providers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, nurses, families, para educators, 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.

The CATIS is responsible for identifying and implementing technology-based solutions that address individual student needs and for building the capacity of staff and families to use these tools effectively across educational and functional environments.

The CATIS will continue their 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.

• Conduct comprehensive assistive technology assessments for students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities.
• Evaluate students’ access to educational materials, communication systems, computers, tablets, mobile devices, digital learning platforms, and environmental controls.
• Consider the interaction between vision, hearing, cognition, motor abilities, communication, sensory needs, and other disabilities when recommending technology.
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide recommendations regarding AT needs, services, accommodations, supplementary aids, and accessible instructional materials.
• Assist educational teams in determining whether AT should be incorporated into a student’s specially designed instruction, related services, accommodations, or supplementary aids and services.
• Recommend technology that supports communication across educational, residential, community, and vocational environments.
• Provide individual and group training to teachers, related service providers, interveners, instructional assistants, residential staff, and other school personnel.
• Develop and deliver professional development related to assistive technology and accessibility.
• Provide hands-on training and coaching following the introduction of new technology.
• Develop user-friendly training materials, quick-reference guides, videos, and other resources.
• Collaborate 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.
• Consult regarding accessible digital documents, electronic books, braille materials, tactile graphics, audio materials, and other…