Assistive Technology Specialist - Limited Period - Multiple Vacancies

Assistive Technology Specialist

This is professional services work in instructing individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the methods and practices of effective orientation, safe travel, and/or assistive technology (AT) solutions. Responsibilities include assessing degree of impairment, providing consultation on available services, and teaching persons who are blind/low vision, including those with other disabilities, to travel safely and independently -and/or- how to utilize assistive technology to enhance independence, improve communication, and promote successful outcomes for educational pursuits, independent living, avocational interests, and gainful employment. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Representative tasks include assessing individuals' functional needs using standardized evaluation methods; analyzing vision/medical reports to determine appropriate accommodations, recommendations and instruction strategies. Teaching individuals who are blind or low vision to understand concept development and spatial awareness, improve orientation, and interpret environmental surroundings to travel safely and independently using other senses to improve mobility. Providing instruction in the use of AT devices and software in multiple settings (home, school, workplace, etc.). Evaluating available services and expected results to determine feasibility of training to set reasonable goals for individuals. Conducting usability and user-testing sessions with AT tools to evaluate effectiveness and inform recommendations. Planning and developing training schedules; explaining objectives of training program to trainees and other individuals to ensure understanding. Writing evaluation reports, progress notes, training summaries, master lists of cases, and related statistical data to document needs, progress, and work activity. Developing individual plan for training through discussion with individuals and evaluation of medical information to ensure individuals' needs are met. Instructing in use of low vision aids and/or AT devices and software, for mobility and other purposes through knowledge of devices and degree/type of impairment to explain, teach usage, and enhance safe mobility. Counseling individuals and family members on adjustment to vision loss to assist individuals and their families experiencing the adjustment process. Conducting site evaluations at schools and other public facilities to assist in complying with ADA, IDEA, and other related mandates involving disabilities. Conferring with social services providers and other professionals to provide and coordinate services. Developing community awareness of Blind Rehabilitation services to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating individuals. Researching, exploring, and staying current with emerging AT tools and accessibility trends, including beta testing, reviewing new hardware/software, and building resource networks.

Knowledges, skills and abilities required include knowledge of medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Knowledge of kinesiology, audition, and other senses. Knowledge of concept and sensory development. Knowledge of visual system including structure and function of the eyes and pathologies. Knowledge of additional disabilities including cognitive developmental delays or autism. Knowledge of blind/low vision individuals' functional needs, accessibility principles, and accommodations in mobility, education, employment, and daily living. Knowledge of child and adult learning theory and special education principles for children who are blind and/or visually impaired. Knowledge of the principles, theories, and techniques of O&M and AT training services, blind rehabilitation, and low vision therapy. Knowledge of technical resources and assistive technology skills such as screen reader proficiency, screen magnification, refreshable braille, accessibility software, OCR/Scanning tools, and mobile accessibility. Knowledge of the field of low vision therapy, services, and aids. Knowledge of ADA, IDEA, vocational rehabilitation and other related principles or mandates involving disabilities. Ability to teach and apply O&M training theory, techniques, and practices. Ability to break down complex tasks into accessible steps while adapting teaching methods for different learning styles, vision levels, or cognitive needs. Ability to understand technical, medical, and psychological information and examine and evaluate data concerning individuals' skills in safe and independent travel and mobility. Ability to solve difficult circumstances and determine feasibility of training and/or identify alternative solutions. Ability to communicate in both verbal and written forms clearly and effectively. Ability to motivate and encourage individuals at different emotional stages of vision loss. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to collaborate with other blind and low vision specialists/disciplines and stakeholders such as O&M, AT, vision rehab specialists, VR counselors, teachers, employers, and transportation officials. Ability to document accurately, maintain records, and prepare reports. Ability to administer and interpret clinical or standardized tests for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate an individual's plan for training, while exercising continued oversight, progress evaluation, and decision making. Ability to serve as a technical resource to individuals in determining a plan for O&M training and/or Assistive Technology training. Ability to examine and evaluate individuals' needs for low vision services with reference to the principles and methods of maximizing vision. Ability to troubleshoot and adapt to changes in assignments, new technologies, systems, and equipment.

Minimum qualifications include advanced education, training, and/or experience in blind or low vision rehabilitation services spanning disciplines such as orientation & mobility, assistive technology and occupational therapy, or other related fields concerning accessibility and disability with demonstrated competency in disability assessment, technological solutions, instructional methods, problem solving, and communication.

Licensing/registration/certification requirements include ACVREP accredited certifications; either Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) or Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) based on work performed.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine include work-life balance, health insurance coverage, dental insurance, retirement plan, gym membership reimbursement, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, public service student loan forgiveness, living resources program, parental leave, and voluntary deferred compensation.